Although inspired by the real case of the convicted con woman and serial killer, "The Konkatsu Killer", it is the writing, plotting and characters of Although inspired by the real case of the convicted con woman and serial killer, "The Konkatsu Killer", it is the writing, plotting and characters of Asako Yuzuki that takes this book to another level. The sole woman in her news office, Rika Machida, becomes the first journo to get gourmet cook and convicted serial killer of lonely older men, Manako Kajii (a woman detested as much for not being conventionally pretty and slim, as for her serial killing) communicating by solely writing and talking about her cooking. As Rika pursues each recipe and complimentary steers from Kajii, she begins to change as her palate is opened to the the tastes of real butter and succulent foods. [image] A startlingly innovative look at misogyny, obsession, romance and above all the "transgressive pleasures of food in Japan." There's something almost hypnotically beautiful about great Japanese writing and this book has it in droves. Another one of those sparse reality works where the sole focus is on the cast and little attention is paid to the background environment, noise or people. And the biggest character is the food/recipes Kajii gets Rika cooking starting with butter in food recipes. Beyond doubt the most tasty, mouth watering renditions of food appreciation I have ever come across in any medium! [image] The book blurb talks of this read being unsettling and it truly is, I found myself sympathising, or possible feeling something even more for Kajii the convicted killer, as Asako subtly not only makes the case for Kajii being the serial killer seem not beyond reasonable doubt, but through the interactions with Rika, she illustrates the rabid interest and even more rabid analysis and hate that is given to female killers compared to non-female ones. So why just Four Stars, and not Five?; I am afraid I found the book too long, and the plot moved too slowly despite the innovation, it did drag on foe me; a judgment call that needed to be made by the editors maybe? So this buttery read was a Four Star, 8 out of 12 for me. [image] 2025 read...more
An acidly darkly comedic tale of Mumbai, where 'progress' and 'modernisation' steamrolls over the 'present and past' without batting an eyelid. ProperAn acidly darkly comedic tale of Mumbai, where 'progress' and 'modernisation' steamrolls over the 'present and past' without batting an eyelid. Property developer and tycoon Dharmen Shah wants to expand his Mumbai land and property portfolio, and do that he needs to buy out all the mostly owner-resident Vishram apartments. A job much easier said than done! [image] As more and more occupants succumb to the promised riches from Shah, he reminds them that he will only pay them off, if all the occupiers sign-up. To what lengths will the developers, authorities and other residents themselves go to to get the straggles to sign-up? A darkly comedic tale that obviously is social commentary on the impact of unbridled capitalism in the modernisation of places such as Mumbai, and its impact on society as whole. 6 out of 21, Three Star read. [image] 2024 read...more
In an unnamed sprawling Indian city Jai (9 years old), life in the slums is consumed with watching the TV that is the centrepiece of his home, especiaIn an unnamed sprawling Indian city Jai (9 years old), life in the slums is consumed with watching the TV that is the centrepiece of his home, especially detective serials; fellow Muslim pal Faiz is a huge fan of the supernatural especially Djinns; and their female nerdy buddy Pari, is the one focussed on using her brains to escape the slums via education. The 'Djinn Patrol' comes into existence when led by Jai they seek to explore their city to try and investigate what becomes a series of missing children! [image] The beauty of this book is that it is character ked and seen through the eyes of Jai. The lack of any real care about the missing children by the police; the often knee-jerk and dangerous interpretations of the community; the general treatment of slum children; but as ever with good books about children, despite the sombre core theme of slum children disappearances, it is the power of Deepa to paint the world through the children's eyes with their focus and also capability to still find time to live their own lives. Dare I say possibly too character led for me, which made me feel very much on the periphery of the disappearances, just like Jai, which could be considered a good thing? Literary it is a good book, but not so much for keeping me interested. [image] 2023 read...more
The engaged to be married outliers of super rich global society who dared to get real jobs and live 'small', our main protagonists Rachel and Nick finThe engaged to be married outliers of super rich global society who dared to get real jobs and live 'small', our main protagonists Rachel and Nick find themselves in the East, as Rachel hopes to meet her dad (oh yes!); in addition someone in the group has a startlingly rich girlfriend, did I say rich, I meant 'China rich'! Astrid has problems of her own at home and away; and Kitty Pong's seemingly desperate attempts at getting recognition by the ultra class are proving a tad transparent and vulgar! [image] There's a bit of Crazy Rich Asians style humour around the ultra rich, but this book sees some evolution as it is very much more character driven with compelling stories that kept me far more interested than the first book. The comedy was used much more sparingly, which also worked better for me. I also like how Kwan puts forth the ascendance of the mainland Chinese at the ultra rich table and how it is perceived especially by the old families. All in all a good, and despite my sombre review a fun read 7 out of 12, Three Star bash :) [image] 2023 read...more
At 18, Nazneen is taken from her Bangladeshi village life, via an arranged marriage to a man in his 40s who is just about eking out a living in a poorAt 18, Nazneen is taken from her Bangladeshi village life, via an arranged marriage to a man in his 40s who is just about eking out a living in a poor part of East London (UK) in his small flat. Anecdotally, this is the fate that many Bengali (and other Muslim) girls know awaits, so she knuckles down to it. Now with two daughters, and her older husband with big ideas but limited prospects, and Nazneen herself a stay-at-home seamstress, life takes an unexpected and extremely dangerous turn when she meets the radical (for change) young Karim. [image] To the background of the East London 'white flight', the 'coming of the Bengalis', racism and the once again changing face of the Brick Lane area of London, Monica Ali drops a mesmerising debut novel with her almost poetic dissection of the life of a woman from a conservative patriarchal world seemingly taking the sensuality and recklessness of an affair to reappraise her identity. With race, Islam and even the Bengali diaspora playing second fiddle to her experience and the wonderful supporting cast from the almost lovable husband with a genuine heart of gold under his brusque exterior, to the pseudo gangster outfit led by an aging theatrical Bengali matriarch! [image] I found this most definitely one of those books where the sum of the whole made me gasp in awe on completion of it! Another joy was the overall plotting, where like many lives, for every predictable outcome there are just as many unpredictable events. Above all I found it a ground breaking testament to the lives of first generation immigrants who have to not only try and integrate into their new climate, but also balance that integration with the demands of their own culture. The final golden touch was having Nazneen's sister back in Bangladesh relate the trials and tribulations of her own life as a contrast. 9 out of 12. The most startling thing is, I just don't understand why it took me so long to get round to reading this gem! [image] 2022 read...more
Overachieving New York economist, American-Chinese Rachel Chu is off to a wedding in Singapore with her dream of a catch boyfriend Nick; Nick who has Overachieving New York economist, American-Chinese Rachel Chu is off to a wedding in Singapore with her dream of a catch boyfriend Nick; Nick who has somehow never mentioned that he is from one of the most powerful families in the Far East with a very powerful and controlling grandma/matriarch; that the wedding is the biggest media and celebrity event in years; and that all his peers are super-rich old or new money! [image] I suppose I was waylaid by the book's title and the book's popularity in thinking that I would really enjoy this book! In reality this is a very flashy 'E for Entertainment' style of dare I say 'chick-lit', with a Sino-Asian setting and cast. Now don't get me wrong, the book is interesting and at times enlightening, looking at a fictionalised view of the Sino-Asian super rich, but ultimately it is soooo Western-centric and blatantly written for a Western audience and indeed the book has been adapted into the movie that I feel it might have been partially written for. I just think it's such a fabulous book title that could have been put to much better use! Don't get me started on the multiple and excessive use of racial/nationalist, gender and generational stereotypes and tropes, there's nothing new here! It's however, a sound enough constructed reality for me to want to go on and read the rest of the trilogy. 6 out of 12 (3 star read). I mean... it did take me 4 our months to finish! [image]...more
Sex in the City, upper class Saudi society style! An unnamed blogger sends out an email newsletter with episodic stories of four young women's quest fSex in the City, upper class Saudi society style! An unnamed blogger sends out an email newsletter with episodic stories of four young women's quest for love in Saudi Arabia in the 21st century. Love and dating is foremost, with Islam, gender equality and Saudi society taking a strong second place. Some might not like the almost irreverent approach to language and style used by Alsanea, but I found it made the book that more readable [image] Don't expect any deep dive delves into the Saudi world, this is essentially a gossip mag written from the pint of view of the people involved. A neat 21st century epistolary novel done well, with each email prefaced by the narrator's thoughts, feelings, quotes, poems and response to support and/or criticism. We do lose something in translation, as I believe each of the four women spoke different languages or dialects that were included in the original. The 24 year old debut novelist caused a storm, not so much for the criticism she got from some in Saudi Arabia, but moreso for the huge wave of support she got from the public, other writes and even members of the ruling government! A book that is unashamedly about four individuals their stories; and not to be seen as a societal critique? The big mystery in the book, is which one of the women is the narrator? 7 out of 12 [image] Rajaa Alsanea
The third volume has a dazed Akira being fought for(!) by all, including Lady M's own meta-humans, Sakaki and co., as well as Nezu's people. The ColonThe third volume has a dazed Akira being fought for(!) by all, including Lady M's own meta-humans, Sakaki and co., as well as Nezu's people. The Colonel has huge political problems as Neo-Tokyo reacts to the release of Akira. This all culminates in amazing scenes in the city. Now we're talking, classic dynamic Manga art at its best. A big moment for Akira lore! 7 out of 12 Three Star read. [image] 2020 read; 2012 read (twice!)...more
Subtitled 'Returning to Haifa and other stories' this is one of the Palestinian author and a one-time leading member of the Popular Front for the LibeSubtitled 'Returning to Haifa and other stories' this is one of the Palestinian author and a one-time leading member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)'s most well known works. Nowhere near as politically charged or anti-Israeli scathing as one would suspect, this collection of 15 short stories and the 'Returning to Haifa' novella focus on the Palestinian children in the late 1940s and in the novella in the 1970s. [image] Ghassan Kanafani is obviously a very well educated literary writer and it could be argued that his prose deflects from the stories he wants to tell. The short stories are intermittently connected and focus on Palestinian children in the newly occupied territories focusing mostly on how such a sea-change impacts on their everyday lives. 'Returning to Haifa' on the other hand pulls no punches as Palestinian couple return to Haifa to see the home they were forced out of, and maybe to also find out what happened to their baby son who they had to leave behind because of the dire circumstances of the Zionist take down of Haifa, after Britain abandoned it. All this books gives an interesting and extremely thought provoking view of the effects of displacing a people. 8 out of 12. [image]...more
Sparse in style, yet deeply textured tale of an Indian family emigrating to what they believe is a land of opportunity and wonderment, the United StatSparse in style, yet deeply textured tale of an Indian family emigrating to what they believe is a land of opportunity and wonderment, the United States in the 1970s detailing their extreme trials, great joys and tribulations. At times very sad, other times darkly comedic and overall all about family, certainly a good read! A 7 out of 12, Three Star read [image] 2015 read...more
An Observer (UK) Book of the Year, translated from Indian, and set in Sussex(!). An Englishman of Indian descent and his Sussex born White English wifAn Observer (UK) Book of the Year, translated from Indian, and set in Sussex(!). An Englishman of Indian descent and his Sussex born White English wife return to her parents home in Sussex to try and come to terms with their miscarriage, by essentially literally telling anyone and everyone about it. A clever book looking at marriage, families, trust and identity. Good read! 7 out of 12.[image] 2015 read...more
A great, as in epic in construction, fantasy novel mixing Japanese mythology and fantasy to look at the relationships between men and women and gods! A great, as in epic in construction, fantasy novel mixing Japanese mythology and fantasy to look at the relationships between men and women and gods! OK read, but too much rooted in Japanese mythology for me, with little background understanding of it, which the book seems to need. 4 out of 12...more
Off-beat and humorous, yet poignant love story told in the first person, in English by a Chinese woman who has just arrived in England and is learningOff-beat and humorous, yet poignant love story told in the first person, in English by a Chinese woman who has just arrived in England and is learning English. A very original idea, that could have been better executed. 6 out of 12, Three star read. [image] 2013 read...more
Cold yet fascinating thriller centred round a professional pick pocket who gets drawn into working with the Yakuza. Somewhat trying too hard to be cleCold yet fascinating thriller centred round a professional pick pocket who gets drawn into working with the Yakuza. Somewhat trying too hard to be clever, in my opinion. A good little read, that will most likely become a landmark indie or World Cinema film one day. With my lukewarm praise this got a 5 out of 12, strong Two Stars. [image] 2013 read...more
This book was Man Booker Prize 2012 long listed. Jeet Thayil creates an eclectic cast of characters following their lives in the slums of Bombay throuThis book was Man Booker Prize 2012 long listed. Jeet Thayil creates an eclectic cast of characters following their lives in the slums of Bombay through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. This read is was very deservedly Man Booker long listed, it is a intriguing piece of work looking at the reality of slum life but not dwelling on the misery. People live in poverty in Developing nations are more focused on making the most of their lives just like people in more Developed nations, and this is ultimately the story that Thayil tells; a good read. A three Star, 7 out of 12. [image] 2013 read...more
Two Japanese short stories originally published in Japanese at the end of the Second World War. A goldfish farmer and top chef are the main charactersTwo Japanese short stories originally published in Japanese at the end of the Second World War. A goldfish farmer and top chef are the main characters of these tales… a tad disappointing, maybe? 2 out of 12...more
So this is it, the final days of the the powered ones dominance over Neo-Tokyo ends with some expansive storytelling and some pretty amazing comic booSo this is it, the final days of the the powered ones dominance over Neo-Tokyo ends with some expansive storytelling and some pretty amazing comic book art panels in this manga classic. Not as ground breaking as said by many at the time, although the artwork is pretty good on any level. 7 out of 12. This volume collects Akira # 31 -38. [image]...more
As Tetsuo continues to morph into something more powerful and less human, the opposing forces begin to work their way to his and Akira's base of operaAs Tetsuo continues to morph into something more powerful and less human, the opposing forces begin to work their way to his and Akira's base of operations. Kay, with her true abilities now revealed may finally have to get involved personally! And Yamada's primary mission's is finally revealed when the Americans really join the fray! [image] Plus marks for the artwork and constructed reality, minus marks for the almost adolescent male dialogue and scripting! 6 out of 12. This (colour) volume collects Akira #25 - 30....more
A shattered and broken Neo-Tokyo divides into two camps. Tetsuo reaches a crossroads. Shit gets real when the Americans and Soviets enter the arena. KA shattered and broken Neo-Tokyo divides into two camps. Tetsuo reaches a crossroads. Shit gets real when the Americans and Soviets enter the arena. Kaneda's missing. The story feels more mainstream-y now, but to be frank, I am still struggling to work out what the art is depicting for a lot of person to person skirmishes and even some basic interactions like conversations! A 6 out of 12, Three Star read. I read the all colour volume by Eclipse (Epic Comics) covering Akira # 17 -24, 512 pages [image] 2020 read; 2012 read...more
The famous auto-biographical tale of an Iranian woman growing up during the fall of the Shah and the actualisation of the Islamic and cultural revolutThe famous auto-biographical tale of an Iranian woman growing up during the fall of the Shah and the actualisation of the Islamic and cultural revolution. A terrific book, managing to capture the voices of childhood and youth whilst telling the story of living under the Shah and then the fundamentalist regime. [image] Please note that the author grew up in an upper middle class neighbourhood in a community of Marxist leanings and I would suggest that some of the Iranian history depicted should be taken with a pinch of salt, but ultimately this book is about Marjane, living in a permissive and liberal household and trying to find her identity during some of the most change-ridden times of modern Persian history. The sequences of her student days in Austria were also gripping. Superb book, recommended. 9 out of 12 Four Star read. [image] 2011 read...more
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