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A review by alexisfromdabooks
Villian by Shūichi Yoshida
5.0
I loved every bit of this.
Shūichi Yoshida’s Villain is not a typical crime novel - I mean, none of his books are, just look at Parade.
Though a murder (the one of a 21 y/o woman who is very much depicted as a liar and a vixen - and semi-rightfully so, I would add?) is at the centre of the narration, the novel is more about everyone else BUT the murdered woman, and damn, it works.
When someone dies, you don't really get their bit of the story. What you get is what's left behind: people, messages, memories. A reality that goes on, while one single person is forever still.
I gasped a couple times, even shed a tear: I became angry at thinking about Yoshino's last moments, even though she was quite unbearable. Well, actually, she was definitely insufferable.
Many mention the writing style as a "turn off" for this novel - the ever-changing viewpoints — third person and first person — might occasionally be confusing, OK, but, given the nature of the story, they are more of a strong point rather than anything else.
Indeed, this narrative structure, paired with a very clear prose, not only gives the reader a well-rounded picture of a group of people struggling to readjust to life after the murder, but also highlights a portait of modern Japan, and shares an insight into the crippling loneliness and melancholy of our times.
Again, loved it. Would read it many more times.
Pick it up, buy it, give it a chance, because it's worth it.
Shūichi Yoshida’s Villain is not a typical crime novel - I mean, none of his books are, just look at Parade.
Though a murder (the one of a 21 y/o woman who is very much depicted as a liar and a vixen - and semi-rightfully so, I would add?) is at the centre of the narration, the novel is more about everyone else BUT the murdered woman, and damn, it works.
When someone dies, you don't really get their bit of the story. What you get is what's left behind: people, messages, memories. A reality that goes on, while one single person is forever still.
I gasped a couple times, even shed a tear: I became angry at thinking about Yoshino's last moments, even though she was quite unbearable. Well, actually, she was definitely insufferable.
Many mention the writing style as a "turn off" for this novel - the ever-changing viewpoints — third person and first person — might occasionally be confusing, OK, but, given the nature of the story, they are more of a strong point rather than anything else.
Indeed, this narrative structure, paired with a very clear prose, not only gives the reader a well-rounded picture of a group of people struggling to readjust to life after the murder, but also highlights a portait of modern Japan, and shares an insight into the crippling loneliness and melancholy of our times.
Again, loved it. Would read it many more times.
Pick it up, buy it, give it a chance, because it's worth it.