A review by papapete24
Malice by Keigo Higashino

dark mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.75

Malice is a modern detective fiction story that uses the power of perspective and character to weave a winding and dark tale. One subtheme that I am enjoying in Japanese fiction is how they respond and condemn to the societal problem of bullying in school. The most notable condemnation might be Kawakami's Heaven with its brutal depiction of the dehumanizing nature of bullying in Japanese schools but anime like Silent Voice and other also use bullying and its damage and rectification as central to its story. Kor-Eda's wonderful film Monster also uses bullying and perspective to build narrative twists and turns. In Malice, the author correlates the malice used in murder to the basic evil malice that can often drive bullying ... an insight that becomes critical in the plot. It's a bit heavy on the police procedural/interview as a narrative progression, but it is a fascinating use of perspective and motive to guide a murderous tale. 3.75 stars.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings