I feel the need to point out that I haven’t watched the movie based on this novel. And I don’t think I will – because this story is Japanese, all characters are Japanese, and while Brad Pitt might be a great actor, the one thing he is not is – well, Japanese. (Keanu Reeves might have worked, as he looks half the part.)
Anyway, before your start delving into this book, be aware: there are basically no heroes here, just villains (to varying degrees). But they’re the greatest bunch of bad guys you might ever have encountered! Because Kotaro Isaka excels at character crafting – he makes you root for the bad guys, in a way I wouldn’t have thought possible. And everyone of them is a great character, with his own individuality – awesome!
Apparently, this is the middle book of a trilogy, and one of the side cast might be the protagonist from the first book. I think this book was translated to English before the first book was translated, and I know that I have to read the first and the third book, too. Because it is just that much fun!
It’s a little bit like watching pulp fiction – great dialogues and stuff – but with even more clever characters than the Tarantino movie. That being said, I would watch a movie adaption if it were done with a fitting cast. (Tarantino would still be a great director for this kind of project, though.) There is a way of speaking and acting to some of the cast that doesn’t make much sense if transferred to American killers.
Anyway, I’m putting the first and last book on my wishlist for Christmas. Not sure if I’ve been naughty or nice this year, but at least I’ve been not remotely as naughty at the people in this novel.
If you start reading, prepare yourself for an unputdownable book. A truly and outstanding 5 stars experience!
Crossing the Pond Reviews 