This one was ok.

The story opens with an unnamed narrator who is presumably on the run for something. He's come to a cabin in the woods to assume another person's identity. But along with this person's documents is a manuscript he's written, describing his disturbed childhood, and ending with an accusation that the reader has committed a murder. Gruesome evidence found in the cabin only incriminates the narrator further.

This was really hard to follow at times, because the story flips backwards and forwards in time. It's also very twisty-turny, with reveals that are hard to comprehend, or hard to understand until a few chapters later. It was also difficult for me to follow who was who until the last quarter or so of the book. The story is also interjected with rambling diatribes on the psyche of a killer - with particular focus on real life serial killer Tsutomu Miyazaki. I thought it was interesting, but maybe a little unnecessary for this story.

Overall, it was creepy and I didn't predict the twists, but it didn't totally *wow* me. ( )

Interesting! ( )

I guess this book is about the self, or ego, or consciousness, but there is so much cruelty and violence in it that I really did not care to reflect on its philosophical themes. Not recommended. ( )

A dark and deeply disturbing novel, yet also strangely brilliant. Nakamura explores parts of the human condition that are often uncomfortable, yet here he does so with such style and precision that one cannot help but be drawn into the story.

Ah yes, the story. I'm still not 100% sure I know what the hell happened. It's that kind of book. Don't go for this if you want neat resolutions and a cozy mystery! This one will reward and challenge you, but if ever a book sets out it's own stall from the beginning then this is the one: 'Turn this page, and you may forfeit your entire life.'

A dark masterpiece. 5 stars. ( )