I've just finished Real World by Natsuo Kirino. This is her third book to be translated into English following on from Grotesque and Out. I certainly found it interesting if a little dark for my tastes. The narrators are teenagers and as it's an American English translation they do sound as if they're, like, totally from California.
In Catherine Sampson's top 10 Asian Crime Fiction she lists, Out plus some more Japanese crime titles including Murder At Mount Fuji by Shizuko Natsuki which I have had on my to be read pile since 1996...
More on Japanese crime fiction can be found at the Japan Visitor site.
1 comment:
It's great to see Japanese crime fiction being highlighted, and Natsuo Kirino is certainly one of the key figures in that genre. Real World sounds like it brings a unique, dark perspective on the teenage experience, though I can understand why it might be a little heavy for some readers. The way Kirino explores the complexities of youth and morality is powerful, but definitely not light reading.
The mention of Out and Grotesque also brings to mind how Kirino tends to delve into darker, often disturbing themes, challenging readers to confront the hidden sides of society. The idea that the teen narrators in Real World feel "totally from California" adds an interesting layer of cultural translation, and it’s always fascinating to see how characters' voices shift when translated into a different language.
As for Murder at Mount Fuji, it seems to be another classic in the genre, and it's interesting how it has lingered on your to-read pile since 1996. Japanese crime fiction certainly has a way of staying with you, with its blend of psychological depth, social commentary, and compelling mysteries.
Have you found any particular themes or trends in Japanese crime fiction that you enjoy, or do you tend to prefer the more psychological, character-driven elements as in Kirino’s works?
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