This book was my introduction to the works of Mishima and while I had a very weird enjoyment of this novel, I sort of wish I'd started with something else of his that's maybe shorter or focuses more on one idea so I could feel him out better. But that's just a personal preference and doesn't take away from 'Spring Snow' itself.

Even though I had a great dislike of the MC, my boy Kiyoaki, for his fickle, childish, and borderline narcissistic attitudes he displays at the beginning (and then passionate delusions at the end), I was super invested in his story and how he suffers, (which I knew he would considering the gloomy foreshadowing is extremely heavy - even without my glasses I would've seen it coming a mile away).

Each theme of the book is explored deeply and is woven into a complex webbing where each point is interconnected. It's quite beautifully done. There's the transition of boyhood into manhood (or the perception of, and how it falters), the changing of an era and being born during in-between times, that there are people born now who fit better into the era of the past and those born who fit into an era to come, that passion is the epitome of youth and of life - that once it's realized and passes, the best part of life is now behind you.

I did have a good time reading about mens' nipples and chest hair, though, I've been told this is typical for Mishima and I have to say I appreciate it.