× • = bj0rN = • ×

I guess I could call Natsuo Kirono a feminist writer. What I like about her is the way she portrays female psyche in a really “twisted” way. She is most famous for her 1997 novel, 「アウト」 (”Out”), which I’ve yet to check it out. It was also made into a movie later on in 2002.

“All of them had the ability to interact with others: friends, lovers, someone to whom they could open their hearts, someone with whom they could share conversation, someone they longed to see once work was done. They had people outside the workplace who made them feel happy.” –GROTESQUE

Actually, I felt that the cover for the paperback edition was more disturbing. =X

Each chapters covers the different perspective of different characters which got me sinking into their position and to be able to feel for each different character. And for some reason, the narrator seems to be someone who has quite a negative view on the way of life.

Two middle-aged prostitutes have been found strangled in apartments in central Tokyo. The family of at least one of the victims couldn’t care less. The detectives barely figure. One murder is left unsolved, and the perpetrator of the other confesses promptly and volubly and with an unseemly hint of pride, offering a touching account of an impoverished Chinese childhood that makes him briefly more sympathetic than his victim. But strangely, he only confesses to one of the murder.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and if only I can get my hands on a copy of “Out”. Oh yeah, and to watch the movie adaption. Anyone interested? =X