Strangers by Taichi Yamada
Random encounters with books are one of the joys of reading, but the trouble with stumbling across titles online is that I so often forget where I saw them – “Strangers” being a case in point! I know I read about this fairly recently, and I managed to snag a copy from a swapping site – but if it was your blog I found it on, thank you!
Yamada is an author new to me, and since the Japanese writing I’ve read has mostly been from the early to mid 20th century, I was keen to explore further; particularly as what I read about “Strangers” was intriguing and suggestive.
The story is narrated by Harada; a middle-aged, divorced scriptwriter, his life seems to be plodding on and going nowhere. Work is drying up a little, the separation from his wife was instigated by him as they were growing apart, and he’s reduced to living out of his office in a Tokyo highrise block. As his birthday approaches, he pays a visit to Asakusa, the downtown area he grew up in. Orphaned at a young age, it comes as something of a shock to Harada when he stumbles across a couple who are the perfect replica of his parents as he last remembered them. But who are they? It’s not possible that they really are his mother and father, as they haven’t aged, but all the evidence points to the contrary.
Harada’s health begins to decline and his grasp on reality slips; as things spiral out of control, it seems that his only hope is with his elusive neighbour Kei, a strange women with whom he’s begun to strike up a relationship. But Kei has her secrets too, and nothing is quite what it seems…
I’d be lying if I said this book didn’t affect me deeply, because it did; possibly because of my personal circumstances recently, or possibly just because it’s a powerful story and one that touches the human condition. Nevertheless, “Strangers” is one of the most moving works I’ve read in a long time, and the sections where Harada was with his erstwhile/pseudo parents were unbearably poignant. He’s obviously needy, having lost his parents so young, and to see him rediscovering them and spending time with them is beautiful and sad at the same time. But the book is more than just this; it’s actually quite scary and unsettling, and the things going on around Harada are obviously affecting him physically, something he himself can’t see.
To say much more would risk taking away the surprise element in this book, and it’s wonderfully clever in the way that it’s written and how it wrong-foots you all the time. Tokyo old and new comes to life here, and the atmosphere of isolation in the highrise is brilliantly conveyed. There’s a formality in the writing which might be down to the translation but also might be the author conveying part of Harada’s character or the Japanese way of life. And if nothing else it explores the relationship between parents and children quite superbly.
In the end, nothing in “Strangers” is quite what it seems, which makes it a gripping read from start to finish (and I did find it hard to put down). It’s an intelligent, absorbing and wonderful book that really will haunt you for a long time afterwards – highly recommended!
Oct 10, 2015 @ 07:17:42
That sounds intriguing. The only japanese author I’ve read is Murakami and part of his appeal for me is the “otherness” of japanese culture. This sounds like it has a similar feel so, one for my wish list.
Oct 10, 2015 @ 07:51:41
I’ve had mixed results with Murakami, but this book really got to me. Definitely worth reading!
Oct 10, 2015 @ 07:40:46
Ooh, this has been on my shelf for ages. I picked it up on a bit of whim when my local indie bookshop was having a bit of a clearout, so I’m delighted to see such a positive review. I had a feeling it would be atmospheric and unsettling, but it sounds as though the poignancy adds another dimension. Lovely review, Karen.
Oct 10, 2015 @ 07:51:05
Thanks Jacqui. It *is* very unsettling, and a bit scary in places – but there’s more to it than that. The additional element of his relationship with his parents really touches a nerve. Hope you enjoy it!
Oct 10, 2015 @ 08:01:26
Sounds brilliant! you’ve made me long to read it.
Oct 10, 2015 @ 14:58:07
It’s very good! I’m a bit fickle with modern fiction, but I found this quite gripping.
Oct 10, 2015 @ 08:41:28
I read this a while back for Tony’s January in Japan. I was blown away by it and your review describes it perfectly. Unsettling is right. It is also difficult to get your head around at times. Entirely agree with your comment about it eliciting unexpected emotions. It is also a superb translation.
Oct 10, 2015 @ 14:57:08
It’s deceptively simple, isn’t it? There’s a surprising amount of complexity hidden in there, and much more than I was expecting.
Oct 10, 2015 @ 10:22:19
Lovely review, Kaggsy 🙂 It definitely sounds intriguing!
Oct 10, 2015 @ 14:56:15
Thanks! I loved the book – definitely worth checking out!
Oct 10, 2015 @ 10:38:43
I’m developing a bit of a thing for Japanese writers so delighted to come across another one to explore. Your review made it sound so good I know I have to have this. One for the Christmas wish list for sure
Oct 10, 2015 @ 14:55:48
I thought it was excellent – and very unputdownable which is always a good sign. Hope you enjoy it!
Oct 10, 2015 @ 11:05:21
I used to have a copy of this book. I was supposed to read it for a book group read but when I knew I wasn’t going to be able to attend that month I didn’t read it after all. Maybe I should have. I no longer have the book sadly .
Oct 10, 2015 @ 14:55:20
I’d give it a go if you see a copy, Ali – I liked it, and I’m notoriously fickle about modern writing!
Oct 10, 2015 @ 11:22:52
A name I’ve not read from Japan thanks for sharing seems interesting
Oct 10, 2015 @ 14:54:46
It’s an excellent book – definitely worth checking out!
Oct 11, 2015 @ 10:02:33
Your enthusiastic recommendation made me so curious. It seemed to have a very exciting beginning from what I could see on Amazon, so just ordered it and hoping for an intriguing read.
Oct 11, 2015 @ 10:06:24
Oooh, I hope you enjoy it! I found it quite unputdownable!
Oct 11, 2015 @ 14:44:41
Wow – sounds something both Mr Liz and I would like – we do like a weird Japanese book …
Oct 11, 2015 @ 15:02:14
I think you’d love it – not that I’m trying to encourage you to go off clickety-clicking or anything….. 😉
Oct 11, 2015 @ 15:51:37
I simply can’t add another book to the tbr list for this side of Christmas but perhaps after that because this sounds intriguing. I shall have to try and talk someone into choosing it for a book group. From what you say it seems as if it would be ripe for discussion.
Oct 11, 2015 @ 15:54:03
I think it would be great for a book group – there’s a bit of ambiguity and plenty to discuss. I highly encourage it!
Oct 12, 2015 @ 20:36:36
Sounds stunning! I do not know this author, but I do think Japanese literature features elements of strangeness that help us focus on moods and sadness.
Oct 12, 2015 @ 20:39:25
It is – I really recommend it! I’d never heard of the author either, but I heard about this book on another blog (which I can’t recall) and was inspired to get it – and I’m so glad I did!