You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.41 AVERAGE
3.41 AVERAGE
Reminds me why I once loved neo-noir so much.
Includes just as much details as is absolutely necessary. Lean and slightly off-kilter to the point that it sometimes straddles the line between surrealism and realism. It's a simple story told well, both bleak and full of hope, about a man in the bowels of society trying to be better while continuing to do bad things.
Includes just as much details as is absolutely necessary. Lean and slightly off-kilter to the point that it sometimes straddles the line between surrealism and realism. It's a simple story told well, both bleak and full of hope, about a man in the bowels of society trying to be better while continuing to do bad things.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think it was well written but I gave it two stars because it’s not my favorite genre to read and I want to make sure my suggestions stay away from books like this. If you are into this type of book then it’s a good read for you.
dark
reflective
tense
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A short, quick neo-noir suspense set in Tokyo. It's a little skimpy in that it's not very long, but also that there isn't much plot: it centers on a professional pickpocket, whose life collides with a sinister figure and a random prostitute's neglected child. Our protagonist floats aimlessly through his life, drifting from mark to mark, and coming to terms with the restlessness that made him become a thief in the first place.
But I loved it. The antagonist was tiresome (he literally never shut up), but I really liked our protagonist: his thoughtfulness, attention to detail, professionalism, paternal instincts, wistfulness and nostalgia, the way he's haunted by his memories, the relationships he's lost along the way. The whole thing has the feel of a short story, abrupt ending and all, but mostly I enjoyed it just for the noirish atmosphere and dream-like atmosphere (and my memories of Tokyo! I experienced that thrill of an author namedropping neighbourhoods and train stations that I'd spent quite a lot of time in).
The Thief also reminded me of how much I like reading literature in translation, because I could still hear the general flow & cadence in this voice that just sounded so Japanese. I can't put my finger on it, but it's there.
But I loved it. The antagonist was tiresome (he literally never shut up), but I really liked our protagonist: his thoughtfulness, attention to detail, professionalism, paternal instincts, wistfulness and nostalgia, the way he's haunted by his memories, the relationships he's lost along the way. The whole thing has the feel of a short story, abrupt ending and all, but mostly I enjoyed it just for the noirish atmosphere and dream-like atmosphere (and my memories of Tokyo! I experienced that thrill of an author namedropping neighbourhoods and train stations that I'd spent quite a lot of time in).
The Thief also reminded me of how much I like reading literature in translation, because I could still hear the general flow & cadence in this voice that just sounded so Japanese. I can't put my finger on it, but it's there.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes