The Master of Go

There are passages in this novel by Yasunari Kawabata of poignant insight as a game of Go between the "invincible Master" and his young challenger unfolds amid the ebbing of an old, aristocratic Japan. The reportage upon which the novel is based, however, can take over the narrative. The hotel arrangements, match delays, health issues, and other practical matters are given in great detail. For a game as symbol, I prefer the approach of Nabokov in The Defense.