Grotesque
A chilling exploration of women's secret lives
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Vintage Publishing
Published:7th Feb '08
Should be back in stock very soon
In a gripping tale, Grotesque reveals the dark lives of two former elite school students turned prostitutes, exploring themes of power and societal constraints.
In Grotesque, two prostitutes are found murdered in the bustling backdrop of Tokyo, a city that juxtaposes tradition with modernity. The narrative unfolds as we learn that these women were once students at an elite school for young ladies, where they were groomed for promising futures. However, the passage of time reveals a stark transformation in their lives, leading them into the shadows of society. This haunting thriller delves into the complexities of their existence, exploring the hidden aspects of women's lives in contemporary Japan.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the world they inhabit is rife with dark desires and brutal ambitions. For both women, their choice of profession becomes intertwined with a sense of power that defies societal norms. The author skillfully portrays the duality of their existence, highlighting the struggles and motivations that drive them. Grotesque is not just a crime thriller; it is a profound commentary on the societal constraints placed on women and the lengths they go to reclaim their agency.
The narrative is delivered through the eyes of an unconventional and often unsettling narrator, who adds layers of complexity to the story. This unique perspective sheds light on the darker facets of women's lives in Japan, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths. Grotesque stands out as a thought-provoking exploration of identity, power, and the choices women make in a society that often seeks to marginalize them.
Delves so deep beyond its own shock horror premise that much contemporary crime fiction looks like cheap, exploitative rubbish by comparison ....an utterly absorbing novel that gives as vivid - and disturbing - a picture of contemporary Japan as you could imagine * Metro *
Suicide, paedophilia, incest and murder combine with subtle touches of humour to form a story that will leave you questioning your own morality * Dazed and Confused *
This is a rich, complex read. Be prepared for a book utterly unlike anything we are used to in crime fiction * Independent *
It is one of the most unexpected and playful novels to emerge from Japan in recent years...a triumph. In its boldness and originality, it broadens our sense of what modern Japanese fiction can be * Telegraph *
Unclichéd contemporary noir at its most absorbing and relevant...a masterful and haunting achievement * Tangledweb.co.uk *
ISBN: 9780099488934
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 29mm
Weight: 330g
480 pages