Follows the protagonist's adolesence, sadism, and attempts to conceal his homosexuality during post-war militaristic Japan.

The level of dexterity and skill displayed in the writing is very high, and typical of Mishima; the subject matter is grotesque, almost repellent, exploring fetish, sexuality, and psychopathology. ( )

Mishima's Confessions of a Mask is a semi-autobiographical tale of a young boy growing up with a rather unique mindset, placed against the backdrop of the horrors of WWII in Japan. Homosexual feelings, unrequited love, and strange fantasies are scattered throughout the book, but Mishima's style is so clear and compelling as to make even the most alien concepts seem somehow familiar and understandable. Through his prose we can empathise with the young Mishima, and grow close to a character that is undeniably very interesting and unusual, sharing in situations far away from the typical reader's experiences. A wonderful book, highly recommended. ( )

One of my favorite books of all time - though it's been a while now since I read it. I had read a Mishima biography first and then had to read some of his fiction or, in this case, bio-fiction. There's just so much in this book to love, to think about and to feel. There's something so wonderful and powerful about the war always pressing in on the story amidst these very personal musings the author offers. ( )

Autobiography. He had an interesting childhood. Very good read. ( )