Who is Shingo? What is his main concern at the beginning of the novel? Why does he think he can hear the sound of the mountain? What does that mean to Shingo? What does Shingo think of his wife? What does Shingo do when his wife is snoring? What does this say about Shingo's feelings for his wife? Is this a cruel thing to do? Why or why not?

Who is Kikuko? How is she related to Shingo? What does Shingo tell the reader about his feelings for Kikuko at the beginning of the novel? How does the reader get the impression that Shingo cares more deeply for Kikuko than he lets on at first? To whom does Shingo often compare Kikuko? For what reason? Of whom does Kikuko remind Shingo?

Who is Eiko? Why does Shingo take her dancing? What does Shingo hope...