Helpful Score: 1
A Japanese housewife is beaten to death. Her son, nicknamed Worm, having fled with the neighbor's bike and phone, becomes the main suspect. So begins Natsuo Kirino's third novel available in English, Real World, a set of dark psychological portraits of five Japanese teenagers.
In each chapter a different character--Worm, his neighbor Toshi, or one of her friends--picks up the first-person narration. The plot moves surprisingly well given this technique. As each girl reacts differently to the fugitive Worm, we are thrust into a different "real world." Although the language is simple (possibly reflecting the narrator's age or translation), I genuinely felt that the isolation, anguish, and pain of each character very much reflected her reality. However, I couldn't help but feel less than sympathetic for the whole lot who could not see anything real outside of themselves. I can't vouch for whether this is an accurate depiction of modern Japanese teenage life, but this book is a fast, psychologically intricate read.
In each chapter a different character--Worm, his neighbor Toshi, or one of her friends--picks up the first-person narration. The plot moves surprisingly well given this technique. As each girl reacts differently to the fugitive Worm, we are thrust into a different "real world." Although the language is simple (possibly reflecting the narrator's age or translation), I genuinely felt that the isolation, anguish, and pain of each character very much reflected her reality. However, I couldn't help but feel less than sympathetic for the whole lot who could not see anything real outside of themselves. I can't vouch for whether this is an accurate depiction of modern Japanese teenage life, but this book is a fast, psychologically intricate read.
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book to be very suspenseful and eerie. I totally enjoyed it. Japanese fiction is such a fresh breath of air sometimes. Natsuo Kirino reminds me of Alfred Hitchcock Japanese style. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys a good suspense.
A very different book about teenagers. This Japan is no where close to the kimonos and sushi we're used to. The writing is clear and holds you in suspension. Good character dev. Worth the read if you like suspense, modern life of indifferent teens, or "I know whodunnit, but what's next."
The "Real World" takes us to the midnight stomping grounds of those who live opposite hours as the rest of us. People who inhabit the midnight hours are different, and see the world around them with a third eye. If you somehow wind up in their environment you might learn something about their world and something new about yourself.
I didn't like this book as much as her book "Out", but a good read nonetheless. There is quite a bit going on here - murder, teenage angst, deception, guilt, friendship, love. What you see in people on the outside is not necessarily the real person inside. Creepy and dark, as well as thought provoking.
