Wednesday 16 May 2012

The Thief by Fuminori Nakamura

The thief is a seasoned pickpocket, who is questioning his lifestyle, his choices and the consequences of his actions. It is written in the first person narrative all the way through and therefore is easy to follow and read.

At 210 pages this is a small book with a mighty emotional punch. Nakamura slowly builds the readers attachment to the narrator, who although perhaps is behaving against acceptable normalities and living in a way that many of us would find disgraceful, you can’t help feeling a bond. Not in a sentimental slushy way, but in a real enlightening and respectful way.

We even feel the thief’s emotions when he is thinking about his old master and friend. I found the social insight to Japanese culture and their normalities, like cans of Coffee, Lunch Boxes both of which are purchased in supermarkets and vending machines both intriguing and different to ours.

Although the thief’s profession is despicable, his morels and aspirations are not.   You end of really wanting him to triumph and succeed; you believe that he can become everything you aspire for him.  You follow him on his emotional journey of mentally growing up.

When this book is published in August 2012 I predict that it will do great things and we will all be talking about it. I liked the fact it was short, easy to read but has a real depth and a fully emotional catharsis at then end.

It’s a fabulous read and you will not be disappointed.

The Commuting Bookworm 02/05/12

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