“The suspense is terrible. I hope it will last”
Oscar Wilde
There are often two ways for suspense to be resolved, which makes reading them all that more difficult. Suspense can be resolved in an extravagant feat, leaving the reader or viewer speechless. On the other hand, suspense can end in a flop, much like Jonas’ last review of Random. We all hope for the first, something to keep us reading. Which is why we so often give suspense second, third and fourth chances. A longing for a big conclusion. But what if your conclusion is neither big nor lousy? What are you left with then?
Ryu Murakami takes such a route in his novel In the Miso Soup. To be completely transparent, I put off writing this review as I am still processing the end to this suspenseful story. I think in the end my review will lean positive, but journey with me as we retrace the path Murakami paved.
Summary
Murakami takes the reader to the streets of Japan, led by tour guide Kenji. However, Kenji is not your typical tour guide. In fact, Kenji leads tourists to the nightlife of Japan, where they can experience pleasure and satisfaction of their deepest desires. This story takes place after the AIDS outbreak in the 1980’s. Many of the clubs had closed their doors to tourists following the epidemic, making guides like Kenji necessary to enjoy these secret and seclusive spots.
Following Kenji’s introduction to the story, readers are quick to meet the gaijin, or foreigner, Frank. Kenji does not think twice about this introduction in the beginning. His job often brings shady customers who most people would typically stray from. It isn’t until later in their first night that Kenji starts to have second thoughts about accepting this transaction. He reminds himself how this job will be helping provide him relief and comfort, as his fees are not cheap. Still Kenji can’t shake his gut feeling.
Recently, outside of Kenji and Frank’s meeting, there has been a series of murders. These murders are thought to be from one killer, a killer who is now terrorizing the city. Still, Kenji must follow through with the deal he made to Frank. That does not mean Kenji is not thinking of ways to call the nights short. With New Years two nights away, Kenji committed to fulfilling his promise to his girlfriend while Frank demands to get his full three days of purchase. So, Kenji begins his routine, bringing Frank to his highlighted locations found in his copy of Tokyo Pink Guide.
Kenji’s fears are brought to light at the end of his first night when Frank’s behaviors and mannerisms reveal a much darker side to his previously calm natured demeanor. Now Kenji is stuck trying to appease his customer while also doing everything he can to get out of the transaction. Unfortunately, this is not possible.
Likes and Dislikes
Through a series of threats, more death, obscure kidnappings, and deep dives into traumatic histories, the story comes to an unexpected ending. This ending does not level the suspense. It does not come to a climactic end, rather it holds. The reader is left to wonder many things. Still I find myself somewhat content with the ending. In some ways it feels like a shortcut to a happy ending, but after sitting on it for a couple weeks, it seems quite the opposite of happy.
Overall, Murakami’s writing is unique. He covers topics from culture in both Japan and America. He touches on the prejudice held for people working in the sex industry, even when it is what provides them bearings to excel in society. Murakami also explains deeper on challenges that arise when there is inherent mistrust in police. His writing is natural and not forced, despite the years that have passed from when it was first published.
With the likes, there always come some dislikes. I have a hard time reading books with longer chapters. I know this is a personal preference, but it did make it difficult for me to space out time to read. Although, once I got a quarter of the way in, I could not put it down. Truthfully, the length of chapters is my one main dislike with the writing.
Recommendation
I would have to put a content warning on this book. Given the content’s of the book, if you are sensitive to sexual content, read with caution. Likewise, if graphic and gore do not suit you, you may want to pass on this read. I also would not recommend this for any individual younger than 18. Therefore, my recommendation goes out to all others, but specifically those who enjoy suspense and gore. If you read Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris, you would probably find this one similar.
Overall, I rate this 7/10. I’ll admit, the gore got to me a little bit and breaks were needed. But I would not say it was excessive as it did not take anything away from the story.
As always, happy reading!