That father gets no respect due to his absent-mindedness, though the novel details the richness of his thoughts as he approaches death.  
Fusako divorces her drug-addicted husband to live with her two young children at her parents' house.  Shuichi carries on an affair for a year, which leads to a child despite having his wife get an abortion.  Shuichi's wife, Kikuko, is the object of the affections of Shuichi's father, who also pines for his first wife Yasuko.  That father gets no respect due to his absent-mindedness, though the novel details the richness of his thoughts as he approaches death.  The title refers to his auditory experience of natural beauty.  FTP, identify this novel concerning Ogata Shingo written by Yasunari Kawabata.
Fusako divorces her drug-addicted husband to live with her two young children at her parents' house.  
The Sound of the Mountain or Yama no oto