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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.