Ryu Murakami:

In the Miso Soup (1997)

Ryu Murakami, not relative to Haruki Murakami, is famous of his earlier novels "Almost Transparent Blue" and "Coin Locker Babies". Ryu Murakami's books sold millions of copies while he was still student. He hosted a TV talk show, and played drums in rock group. He is one of the new genious writers of Japan who dig deeper to the underground, where people don't want to see.. His books describe the world realistically, although often he is critisized being too extreme or populistic. Indeed, I must agree - his novels ain't exactly fun to read. But once you open the book - you can't stop until you reach the last page.

His novel from year 1997, In the Miso Soup is a psychological thriller. It's protagonist, Kenji, sells a sex tours for foreign visitors in Japan. He is supposed to spend New Year with his girlfriend but gets then assignment from Frank, American guy, who turns out to be one creepy serial killer.

Together they explore dark alleys and red light districts of Tokyo. Little by little Kenji realizes that Frank isn't who he seems to be, but too late for escaping from him. He is drawn into the dark world of Frank. Shadows of the dark alleys grow larger. Eventually Kenji's girlfriend is drawn into the same miso soup as well. And Kenji can't just turn his back on Frank, who already knows where he is living..

The book does a good job explaining why Frank became a serial killer. Murakami writes about differences of Japan and America, and the problems of American society. Frank's childhood in America is seen pretty traumatizing. Perhaps most shocking is that it all seems pretty true, as if the things really work like that in America.. Interesting question is that why so many things in Japan resemble America..

Although Ryu Murakami is without a question a wonderful writer, generally I had hard time enjoying this book. Sure its easy to read and it has a logical storyline, but after all I can't escape thinking that this kind of fiction can't be much more than entertainment. This fiction doesn't have the same

In the Miso Soup is not such a bad entertainment, and is always better than average Stephen King novel. End is little disappointing since no final conclusions are given.

Recommended reading for those who have strong stomach and are curious about Japan.

This book is translated by Ralph MacCarthy.

Comments