It comes as an unpleasant surprise.
I was reading the published multi-year correspondence between Kawabata and Mishima (both of whom I admire). it is entirely about very mundane things: weather, food recipes, travel, publishers.
I was reading the published multi-year correspondence between Kawabata and Mishima (both of whom I admire). it is entirely about very mundane things: weather, food recipes, travel, publishers.
War is never mentioned, even if the exchange of letters begins in the Spring of 1945.
But then suddenly Kawabata describes his manipulation (although he does not call it such) of PEN to become a candidate for Nobel.
But then suddenly Kawabata describes his manipulation (although he does not call it such) of PEN to become a candidate for Nobel.
Then asks Mishima to write a recommendation. Mishima rightly (and very politely; he is a junior partner in this relationship) replies that, given his reputation, it may be counterproductive.
But Kawabata insists; claiming that it is important for Japan to get a Nobel in literature, never mind he is scheming for himself.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
