Usually I don't buy hard copy thrillers because I don't like to re-read them - you already know who the killer is, there is no intrigue. But I bought this book, having read it in electronic form, because it is definitely worth re-reading and recommending to friends.
Isaka was born in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. After graduating from the law faculty of Tohoku University, he worked as a system engineer. Isaka quit his company job and focused on writing after hearing Kazuyoshi Saito's 1997 song "Kōfuku na Chōshoku Taikutsu na Yūshoku", and the two have collaborated several times. In 2000, Isaka won the Shincho Mystery Club Prize for his debut novel Ōdyubon no Inori, after which he became a full-time writer.
First, I was struck by the fact that this is a funny thriller. I've watched a few Japanese detective dramas where the dark is also mixed with humor, and in this book, I had the same sense of a drama. When you understand that we are talking about murders, kidnappings, thefts, but you still find it funny, because several characters are written in a very comical way.
However, this feeling is not characteristic of all chapters. The chapters about Kimura and the Prince are completely different, they are out of the general mood (as well as from the plot): tense, dramatic. These two heroes already create a completely different effect.
Secondly, I would just like to say about the diversity of the characters. You can still sympathize with most of the characters. Despite the fact that they are all hired killers, they are written in such a way that you worry about them and wish them to safely get out of life's vicissitudes. And at the same time, the Prince is completely antagonistic to them, who does not cause the slightest sympathy. This, by the way, is an interesting psychological effect. The prince is a child, but he is the only one written in such a way that you start to hate him.
And, thirdly, the book has a wonderful translation. The translator preserved the charm of the Japanese language in many set expressions and proverbs - not only gave the Russian counterpart, but also considered the etymology, added a literal translation. This book is very Japanese, and I'm afraid that the Hollywood film adaptation will not retain this Japanese flavor - the charm of some jokes and references will be lost.
And, of course, as a thriller, the book is also good. Something happens in it all the time for reasons that are hidden from the reader, and I really want to read to the end to understand what is really happening on this train.
I recommend reading it to everyone: it intrigues, gives a reason to think and laugh.
This article was sponsored by Michael Lam
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