Runaway Horses (Novel)

"Runaway Horses" is a novel by Yukio Mishima, published in 1969. It is the second book in his "The Sea of Fertility" tetralogy. The story is set in post-World War II Japan and follows a young man named Isobe, who grapples with themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing society. Isobe becomes obsessed with the idea of restoring samurai values and honor, leading him into a series of poignant and tragic events. The novel explores philosophical ideas about life, death, and the pursuit of beauty, intertwining personal and historical narratives.