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3.42 AVERAGE
3.42 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Perfect translation of a Marlowe-type character and attitude into a Japanese setting. Witty, mysterious, with a stoic character hiding their bleeding heart behind a wry sense of humor and a refusal to save his neck by keeping his nose clean.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Translator – Alfred Birnbaum
This was my first hard-boiled noir fiction from Japan. Using Yokohama as the background was perhaps the most realistic choice to have this kind of story played out in a typically homogenous Japan. With the introduction of characters from many international backgrounds, at some points I forgot that this was a Japanese fiction, especially with the appearance of GI Joes, Chinese Triad gang members primarily based in Yokohoma’s bustling Chinatown and some other Yakuza-like but non-Japanese characters. It was quite hard to picture this in contrast to the modern Japan I’m familiar with.
It was obvious that the author had intimate knowledge of Yokohama from the description of the detailed streets including the more secluded areas and the knowledge of the racially diverse community owing to the ports and post-war Japan. Turned out the author is a Yokohama native and extremely familiar with everything in the area. No surprise as to why the background seemed to be very realistic and came alive.
I’m not sure if this book is part of the series because it certainly was not marketed as such, and I could only find details of this one title. However, while reading the book, it gave indications that certain things have passed and I felt like I was missing some important back story of Detective Eiji Futamura. Futamura is a homicide detective in the highly populated Kanagawa Prefecture. As the body of an immigrant working in the shady parts of town turned up, Futamura was tasked to find the murderer. At around the same time, he made a new drinking buddy during the after hours and became close to this strange persona. Not too long after, his new buddy also disappeared after the plane he piloted crashed around Taiwan. Despite their short acquaintance, Futamura was affected by his absence and went on a manhunt, on top of his official duty to solve two mysteries.
While I was not enchanted by the grimy and dark background, the writing was excellent and I couldn’t help admiring the translator because of the quality of the translation. It felt natural and despite the atypical noir Japanese background, everything was well put together and I could just imagine Yokohama’s dark underbelly. I was also impressed with the author’s critical commentary on the politics around Japan at the time, especially the US military’s occupation in Japan. The characters were mostly hardened individuals and it was not easy to be invested in anyone in particular. I’d recommend this to fans of noir fiction, especially if you’re curious about the dark side of Japan.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Japanese writers are bringing back to life hard boiled and golden age mystery. Their works are excellent as they're talented writers and delivers story that mixes the tropes with descriptions of Japan and its culture.
This a dark, atmospheric and gripping noir set in a Cold War Japan. All the main noir themes are present and the author applies a formula to the Japanese society.
It's an excellent story and it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This a dark, atmospheric and gripping noir set in a Cold War Japan. All the main noir themes are present and the author applies a formula to the Japanese society.
It's an excellent story and it's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine