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A review by asma_aj
Crossfire by Miyuki Miyabe
3.0
Ever since she was a child, Junko knew she had the power to start fires at will. Now as an adult, she has to take the utmost precaution not to accidentally incinerate her surroundings. But by chance, she happens upon a violent kidnapping, and Junko unleashes a trail of burned bodies in the wake of her mission: save a victim, and cleanse the world of evil. Her actions spark the interest of a secret vigilante group, and the Metropolitan Police, who are puzzled over the murders, but as detective Ishizu Chikako investigates, she realizes what's happening around them is beyond the control of the police department.
I always have mixed reactions when I read Japanese literature. It can range from being too dry to being very well written, and then the stories are not the formula I'm used to. But I have to say that Miyabe's book was the second I've enjoyed in terms of plot and characters, despite my mixed feelings about it. The book is micro-descriptive. There are A LOT of small details, and it did feel like it bogged down the pace. I don't know how many of it was the writer and how many of it was the translator (I noticed there are some explanations sort of tacked in, I'm guessing that's for the international readers' sake).
The good things about detailed writings though is that it builds up towards the climax. The first half of this book was the build up, the second half had the ball rolling. There was more character engagement, and I loved that. In fact, this is the first time I've come across such normal character emotions in Japanese literature. As for the conclusion, well, I definitely didn't see it coming.
The only problem I had is the pacing. It didn't get fast or urgent towards the end. It was gripping, but.. I don't know. Maybe I'm influenced by Western thrillers. Still, this was a great read.
I always have mixed reactions when I read Japanese literature. It can range from being too dry to being very well written, and then the stories are not the formula I'm used to. But I have to say that Miyabe's book was the second I've enjoyed in terms of plot and characters, despite my mixed feelings about it. The book is micro-descriptive. There are A LOT of small details, and it did feel like it bogged down the pace. I don't know how many of it was the writer and how many of it was the translator (I noticed there are some explanations sort of tacked in, I'm guessing that's for the international readers' sake).
The good things about detailed writings though is that it builds up towards the climax. The first half of this book was the build up, the second half had the ball rolling. There was more character engagement, and I loved that. In fact, this is the first time I've come across such normal character emotions in Japanese literature. As for the conclusion, well, I definitely didn't see it coming.
The only problem I had is the pacing. It didn't get fast or urgent towards the end. It was gripping, but.. I don't know. Maybe I'm influenced by Western thrillers. Still, this was a great read.