angerball Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 I just finished this book, and...Wow, what an incredible novel! Before I started it, I'd read some reviews on Amazon; a lot of people gave this book negative reviews, complaining that it wasn't another Out (which is also fantastic, BTW). I don't think it's fair to compare the two, as they are quite different. The book is set in modern time Japan, and follows the events leading up to the murders of two prostitutes (who had attended the same elite high school years earlier). The murder is peripheral to the story, and I think is merely used to tie all the characters together by one common storyline. The first half of the book is narrated by the sister of one of the prostitutes, and focuses on the interaction between these characters during their high school years (pretty emotionally brutal stuff). Then the book switches to present time, and narration is taken over by the two prostitutes, in the form of their journals. It's a very emotionally heavy going book, but it had me hooked from day one. If you are more into psychological character studies, rather than a story full of twists and turns and lots of action, then I recommend this book. All the characters are pretty despicable, and it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kell Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 I've not read it, but it looks like one to add to my wish list - sounds like it's just my kind of thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louiseog Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 Am putting my fingers in my ears and not listening, hang on though it might be in the library! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madcow Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 Its already on my 'To Read' list, looking forward to it when I finally get hold of a copy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilywhite Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 I loved reading Out and when I saw this one on the bookshelf I knew I would have to get a hold of it (or fight mum off it ) I will definately be getting a copy in the near future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madcow Posted April 6, 2007 Share Posted April 6, 2007 I really enjoyed Out too, saw Grotesque on a rare trip to Borders and was so close to buying it. Decided to wait till it's out in paperback or if it becomes available at the library. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitty_kitty Posted April 7, 2007 Share Posted April 7, 2007 I loved Out but i am supposed to be on a book diet!!! I have so many books to read but i do like having a choice. Although i am moving to Brighouse with a really good library also tesco and just books and what girl can resist a bargain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angerball Posted April 7, 2007 Author Share Posted April 7, 2007 I'm glad to see that there are quite a few people out there who like Natsuo Kirino. She's one of those authors I feel so lucky to have found. I picked up Out on a whim, never expecting to enjoy it so much. Hopefully they will translate more of her other work in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louiseog Posted July 9, 2007 Share Posted July 9, 2007 Re: Out Thank you for this recommendation, I am really enjoying it, don't normally like translations but this one is great and i feel like I'm in Japan with them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angerball Posted July 9, 2007 Author Share Posted July 9, 2007 Re: OutThank you for this recommendation, I am really enjoying it, don't normally like translations but this one is great and i feel like I'm in Japan with them You're welcome! Glad you are enjoying it. I too am not a fan of translations, and I hesitated before picking it up. But, boy was I glad I read it. It's an incredible book. I love the interactions between the lead women, following the murder and subsequent slice-and-dice . It's such a dark book, and one that I'll read again I'm sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RussiangirlNy Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 I have! I agree with u all the characters are unlikable or lack personality(think Yuriko's mother.) I thought it was even better than out. I think the main message was that the world lacks love. But just like in out i only have a vague understanding of what the ending means. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RussiangirlNy Posted January 23, 2008 Share Posted January 23, 2008 I heard her next book is called "the real world" or "what life is about" and its coming out in July! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angerball Posted January 25, 2008 Author Share Posted January 25, 2008 ^Thanks, I'll have to keep an eye out for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilywhite Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 This one has been sat on my bookshelf for some time now and I've finally picked it up to give it a read. Previously I just haven't been in the mood to make a start but today it jumped out at me. I'm looking forward to a good, gritty read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brida Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 I'm glad this thread got bumped up, Grotesque sounds intriguing. I'll look for it in the library when I'll be getting my summer read. Thanks for posting, and bumping up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lilywhite Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 No problem. I'm sat in work getting in a sneaky read on my break Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clare_Star Posted June 27, 2010 Share Posted June 27, 2010 Yay! I'm so glad to have found people who have read Natso Kirino. I read Out a while ago, I'll admit it was probably the first really graphic book I've ever read, totally loved it! (In fact a work collegue borrowed it and never returned it which means I need to pick it up again *shakes head*) Anyway, I've also read Grotesque and can honestly say I don't think I've ever read anything like it. I've never found characters in a book so utterly repugnant yet completely loved the book! I must add this to my re-reading pile so I can say add a slightly more meaningful comment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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