“Part of the originality of Flanagan’s latest work rests in its approach to time, the author contending that a unique approach to the temporal was a key factor in Mishima’s life and death. . . . Flanagan’s stylishly written literary biography comes closer than most to understanding the enigma of Yukio Mishima.”
— Japan Times
“An excellent introduction to Mishima’s life and work . . . Flanagan provides deft plot summaries and sensitive readings of Mishima’s fiction and deploys a wide array of Japanese sources currently unavailable in English, producing a rich portrait of this very strange and complicated man.”
— Gay and Lesbian Review
“A fine introduction to the life and times of Yukio Mishima, the most internationally acclaimed Japanese author and playwright of the twentieth century. . . . Flanagan is willing to tread where others have been more guarded and pulls few punches while analysing Mishima’s character. . . a thoughtful and engaging re-evaluation. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Mishima, Japanese literature, modern history, psychology, and queer studies.”
— Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies
“For the Japanese, Mishima and his beliefs were ‘grotesque anachronism.’ . . . This biography demonstrates, however, that aspects of Mishima’s life deserve celebration: his command of the language, his development of a Japanese drama, short story, and the confessional genre, . . . and his dovtion to and attempt to capture beauty—both in person and in writing.”
— Times Literary Supplement