The Silent Cry
"The Silent Cry" is a novel by Japanese author Kenzaburō Ōe, published in 1967. The story revolves around a man named Mitsusaburō, who returns to his rural hometown after the death of his brother. As he grapples with his family's past and the complexities of his own identity, the narrative explores themes of loss, alienation, and the struggle for understanding in a changing world.
The novel is notable for its deep psychological insights and rich symbolism. It reflects Ōe's concerns about post-war Japanese society and the impact of modernity on traditional values. Through Mitsusaburō's journey, readers are invited to contemplate the silence that often accompanies personal and collective trauma.