I’m currently reading A Man by Keiichiro Hirano. It is written with such heart and depth that I’m finding it difficult to tear myself away and get anything else done. The mystery is as surprising as it is intriguing, but the window into the characters’ psyches provides a beautiful, painful view. My favorite line so far, “Death, she felt certain, was the only thing you could never exchange with anyone.” Loving it!
*Edited on July 3, 2020*
I finished reading this about a week ago and forgot to give my final thoughts.
I loved it.
It was deep and mysterious and somehow very sad. My ebook copy is full of highlights because the writing is that good. The perspective is unique.
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read another book remotely like this one. Hirano balances the profoundly psychological aspects of the work with such touching humanity and intimacy in the lives of the characters that it felt, at times, as if he was writing everyone’s story.
I highly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in the meaning of identity, grief and loss, relationships, and Japanese culture.
