“Thanks to the imagination, there’s no end to things in this world that can trigger anxiety. Normally, of course, you can free yourself from fears like that just by facing them, or telling someone about them.
Normally.”
Piercing, by Ryu Murakami, is not an easy book to read. Compelling, yes, in the way that one observes something horrific and is unable to look away until the resolution is determined. But, easy? No.
There is incredible tension throughout the novel while waiting to see if Kawashima Masayuki will in fact stab a prostitute with an ice pick. He is trying to alleviate the pain in his childhood caused by his mother’s abuse. He is trying to dispel the unbidden thought that he may stab his lovely baby daughter if he doesn’t stab a stranger.
Little does he know that the woman who has come to his hotel room has deep emotional pain of her own. Her father abused her, and when what she calls the Nightmare descends on her, the only way she can alleviate her pain is by stabbing or cutting her own body.
Grim stuff, right? And yet, in the way which I have found Japanese authors to excel, there is a certain tenderness in this novel. Amidst the gruesome reality these characters endure is a quality of vulnerability which quite endears them to me.
For while the term “piercing” can apply to earrings, or nipple rings, or bodily harm in the form of stabbings, it can also describe the piercing of one’s own heart. And that, as we know, cannot be healed by simply applying some ointment and gauze.
Sounds very interesting – I agree that Japanese books can be tender in the midst of violence – Out by Natsuo Kirino perfectly embodies that.
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Sounds like a very difficult book to read. And what an odd cover! I admit that would definitely get my attention in the bookstore, but certainly wouldn't prepare me for the content you described!
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Grim stuff indeed but it also sounds endlessly fascinating!
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Gruel and yet tender, this is indeed what best summarizes the book. I am glad we are both enjoying the same books for the Japanese Literature Challenge 🙂
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This sounds so intense. I'm intrigued but it's one of those I think I'd have to be ready for. Great review!
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Excellent review! It does sound difficult yet gripping.
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As you know I'm a fan of Ryu's writing (even have the T-shirt) but this was a particularly good book. Love your correlation between physical & emotional piercing.
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Thanks, Parrish, for understanding the things I try to say.
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