The last book I read (as part of my 2011 reading challenge, incidentally) was titled Grotesque, and was by Japanese author Natsuo Kirino. It's classed as a "crime" novel, but I saw it as something far beyond that. For a spoilers-n-all review written by me, click here. Otherwise, I am going to try and summarise it sans spoilers. It won't be easy, as I still don't know how to describe accurately the impact this book had on me.
On the cover of my copy is a quote from The Times: "cool, angry and stylish." I think this really sums up the book for me. But I'd add "sad, depressing and utterly tragic" to the mix. So why the heck did I keep reading it? Well, in parts it made me laugh and cringe at the same time. There was definite black humour. I also found myself holding out hope for the characters. And despite the grim ending some characters met, I feel like they did find peace at last.
I'm not convinced our protagonist (whose name we never learn, and I find that interesting in itself) ever was truly happy. Then again, maybe none of the characters were. Except Mitsuru in the end - and her story was hilarious, in a bleak sort of way. Top student, destined for success, which she did attain...and then... Well, you should read and find out. Hehe.
Another thing that kept me reading was Kirino's writing style (I know it was translated from Japanese, but I hope the result was true to her style), which I found darkly beautiful. I loved her description, which ensured I was really able to picture every scene in my head. I also like the style of this book - it's not just an ordinary narrative. There's also the transcript of a deposition, journal entries from the victims, and a single letter from a sad and lonely mother. Letters from a guilt-ridden old high school teacher too.
Basically I gave this book 5 stars on GoodReads, but I would've given it 10 if I could. I was surprised that the average GoodReads rating was so low (3.46), but oh well. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. :)
I want to read this now - dark is not usually my thing (at least, not as dark as this sounds) but I'm curious. And, I have a goal of reading more non-US fiction. Thanks for letting me know about the book! I'd never heard of it before.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound interesting... I may have to pick up a copy myself. I am quite fond of the "darker" side of fiction.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review!
If you guys read it, let me know what you think! :) Right now I've lent my copy to my mum to read. I'm curious what she'll think too. :D
ReplyDeleteI've only read Out by Kirino. I loved her voice. I will definitely pick up Grotesque. Thanks for the write up!
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I've never heard of this book or this author before. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to find you on Good Reads this weekend! And I've now added this book to the TBR list.
ReplyDeleteJust the title is intriguing!
ReplyDelete@Hannah, I haven't read any of Kirino's other work but definitely want to!
ReplyDelete@Margo, no worries - I hadn't heard of her either until I got her book on sale at the uni bookshop :)
@Alison, there's a link to my GoodReads page in the top left-hand corner of this blog, in the Social Media section :)
@Jennifer - yeah, and it's interesting that the theme of grotesque things comes up throughout the novel. i.e. our main narrator's sister is "monstrously beautiful", almost grotesquely so. And another of the characters becomes a "monster" herself.
Not everyone likes the same novels. That book sounds wonderful. I love stylish writing.
ReplyDeleteAs the Goodreads rating proves, not everyone can be pleased by any given work. But that's okay as it gives everyone in the writing game a better chance to connect with a reader. How boring would it be if readers all liked the exact same thing?
ReplyDeleteOf course you guys are right - it would be boring if everyone liked the same novels. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds intriguing! Maybe not my thing necessarily, but I might give it a go just to see...
ReplyDeleteTalli - let me know what you think if you do read it :)
ReplyDeletei'm drawn to books from the Arab and Asian world. sounds like i'd enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a interesting book. I might have to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI used to read books of this genre when I was younger not anymore. But after reading this post I might have to rethink!
ReplyDeleteI don't read a lot of crime myself, but then like I said I think this was so much more than that.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys for stopping by :D
The title is great. Grotesque is a strong and twisted word. I'm intrigued; adding this one to my reading list. I know what you mean when you said you enjoyed reading the sadness of the story. Virgin Suicides reads with a sadness, but the narrative sucks you in. Good luck with the challenge!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like an intriguing book! I will have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteFantastic review. It sounds really interesting. I've got the author's other book, but haven't read it yet. I love anything dark, so it sounds like my thing.
ReplyDeletewow, sounds like a great book (a bit different to the type of books I usually read which is good)
ReplyDelete@Laura, I haven't read the Virgin Suicides - must get around to that someday. I have a very long to-read list, but I love adding more stuff! :D
ReplyDelete@Cheree - yeah I need to read that one too! :)
@Lynda - yeah, me too. But then I'm not sure I really have a type anymore. Hehe.
@The Golden Eagle - let me know what you think if you read it! :)