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Tokyo
Student Grey Hutchins has come to Tokyo because of an obsession. Vulnerable and on the edge, she is searching for a fragment of film supposedly taken during the notorious Nanking Massacre in 1937 when the Japanese murdered 300,000 civilians. Some say the film doesn't exist. The only man who can help is a survivor of the Massacre. Immersed in his books and wary of strangers, this man will at first have nothing to do with Grey. Increasingly desperate, she accepts a hostess job at an exclusive nightspot catering for businessmen and gangsters, and it is here she comes to the attention of one particular man. Ancient, wheel-chair bound and guarded by a terrifying nurse, it is rumoured he relies on a strange elixir for his continued well-being - an elixir others want, at any price...With its heady atmosphere of overt violence, lurking fear and sexual tension, "Tokyo" grabs the reader and refuses to let go until its shattering final pages.
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
475 people are currently reading
14564 people want to read
About the author
Mo Hayder
38 books2,504 followersMo Hayder left school at fifteen. She worked as a barmaid, security guard, film-maker, hostess in a Tokyo club, educational administrator and teacher of English as a foreign language in Asia. She had an MA in film from The American University in Washington DC and an MA in creative writing from Bath Spa University UK.
Mo lived in Bath with her daughter Lotte-Genevieve. She was also the actress Candy Davis, who was most known as the blonde secretary on “ Are You Being Served?”
Series:
* Jack Caffery
Mo lived in Bath with her daughter Lotte-Genevieve. She was also the actress Candy Davis, who was most known as the blonde secretary on “ Are You Being Served?”
Series:
* Jack Caffery
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August 13, 2019
”You can be brave and confident as you like, you can convince yourself that you’re invulnerable, that you know what you’re dealing with. You think that it won’t ever really get too serious--that there’ll be some kind of a warning before it goes that far, danger music, maybe, playing offstage, the way you get in films. But it seems to me that disasters aren’t like that. Disasters are life’s great ambushers: they have a way of jumping on you when your eyes are fixed on something else.”
Rape of Nanking
Obsessions are sometimes strangely conceived. We don’t know why something out of an onslaught of information sticks with us and won’t let go of us. For our protagonist Grey growing up in an overly protective home the one thing that slips through all the rigorous controls of her parents is a book, an orange covered book, on the atrocities that happened in Nanking, China in 1937. Maybe the reason she was so interested in what that book had to say was that it talked about an aspect of human behavior that was so far removed from anything else she had ever read about or even thought about.
Nine years, seven months and eighteen days, is how long she has been researching, investigating every nugget of available information about an atrocity that most people would rather leave buried in the past. Nine years, seven months, and eighteen days is how long it has taken her to track down Shi Chongming.
A man with a secret, a devastating secret.
Shi Chongming stood in the doorway, very smart and correct, looking at me in silence, his hands at his sides as if he was waiting to be inspected. He was incredibly tiny, like a doll, and around the delicate triangle of his face hung shoulder, length hair, perfectly white, as if he had a snow shawl draped across his shoulders.
He is a Chinese linguist hired by a Japanese university. He is a survivor of the 1937 slaughter of Nanking. He is the reason that Grey has come from London to Japan. She is chasing down a rumor that he has a short film that confirms and exposes the devastation perpetrated on the Chinese civilians by Japanese soldiers.
Shi Chongming denies it, but not convincingly. He puts her off. She adds days to her quest. Nine years, seven months, and twenty days. She is broke. Tokyo even in the 1990s recession is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
A good looking American named Jason finds her in the park and offers her a place to stay. Now Grey is naive, but since she left the confines of her parent’s bubble of protection she has received some knocks, some realizations with tragic consequences that have given her some understanding of how the world works. Men don’t offer to give you shelter without expecting some kind of payment. Jason has his own quirks and Grey soon becomes one of them.
”You’re hiding something.” He raised his arms and used the sleeves of his T-Shirt to wipe his forehead. “It’s easy. I just look at you and I can see it. I don’t know what it is exactly, but I’ve go the--the instinct it’s something I’m going to like. See I’m a...’ he raised two fingers and lightly tapped his forehead ‘...I’m a visionary when it come to women. I can feel it in the air. My God, my skin.’ He shivered and ran his hands down my arms. ‘My skin just about changes colour.’
‘You’re wrong.’ I wrapped my hands round my stomach. ‘I’m not hiding anything.’
‘Yes, you are.’
‘I’m not.’
He looked at me in amusement...’Of course you’re not.’
Grey is most definitely hiding something.
A lit poster of Mickey Rourke provided the only source of light in Grey’s room in the crumbling house she shares with Jason and a couple of Russian girls.
Jason hooks her up with a Madame Strawberry who dresses like Marilyn Monroe, and has procured the help of a plastic surgeon to increase her resemblance to the Hollywood icon . She runs an upscale nightclub with a Some Like it Hot theme. Grey is not a natural fit for entertaining men, but caucasian hostesses are in short supply, so she is hired on a trial basis.
It turns out she is pretty good at it. In what could have been a disaster she decides to talk about Nanking with a group of men who are the sons of the soldiers that invaded China. They know nothing about the barbarity that was perpetrated by their fathers as they crossed China. These men who when they returned to Japan hugged their wives, their mothers, and their daughters were the same men who brutally raped Chinese women on an epic scale. These men who played games with their sons, and honored their fathers in Japan were the same men who killed so many civilians in Nanking that they had to pile them up in a mound so large that at one point, from a distance, the stack of bodies is mistaken by a resident of the city for Tiger Mountain.
Civilization, our grandest achievement, is so readily abandoned. The veneer of honor is replaced with a total disregard for human life. I wish I could say that what happened in Nanking was just an anomaly, but there are plenty of examples in history where civilized human beings became barbarians.
Grey needs to see that film. It will confirm all she has been working for.
When a man in a wheelchair, a seemingly insignificant event, arrives at the nightclub with an entourage and a nurse of uncertain sexual orientation it quickly becomes apparent to Grey that this is no ordinary man. He is a member of an organization called the Yakuza.
”Anywhere in Tokyo you could be aware of the presence of the yakuza: the underground gangs who claimed to be descendants of the samurai tradition. They were some of the most feared and violent men in Asia. Sometimes it was just the sounds of the bosozoku motorcycle gangs that reminded you of their existence, like a chrome wave rolling down Meiji Dori at dead of night, sweeping everything in front of them, the characters for kamikaze painted on their helmets.”
Even Grey, as naive as she is, knows to be careful. (The quote above reminds me of that scene from the 1989 movie Black Rain when the Andy Garcia character is surrounded by yakuza gangsters with samurai swords whipping through the air on motorcycles in a parking garage. One of the most dramatic death scenes on film.)
He was pushing a wheelchair, in which sat a diminutive insectile man, fragile as an ageing iguana. His head was small, his skin as dry and crenulated as a walnut, and his nose was just a tiny isosceles, nothing more than two shady dabs for nostrils – like a skull’s. The wizened hands that poked out from his suit cuffs were long and brown and dry as dead leaves.
Fuyuki may need help getting around, but despite his infirmity his power is undiminished. As the plot thickens Grey discovers that Fuyuki has something that Shi Chongming desperately wants. The only way Grey is going to get to see that film is if she can steal the “potion” that Fuyuki needs to live.
I wouldn’t say I’ve exactly given up on thrillers. I used to read them by the wheelbarrow full, but have found them in recent years to be bloated, too influenced by CGI, and frankly unsatisfactory. Arah-Lynda sent me this book as a recommendation with a compelling wish that I would read it and review it. How could I possibly say no? By the way Arah-Lynda wrote this spectacular review of this book that everyone should read. Arah-Lynda review
Mo Hayder wrote two stories one set in 1937 with Shi Chongming and the other in the 1990s with Grey. Usually when I read a book with two timelines I prefer one or the other and find myself impatiently reading the one that I don’t prefer so I can get back to the one that really has my attention. NOT the case at all here. Both storylines are so compelling that I eagerly gulped down each new revelation in either time period with equal relish.
Nice neck Mo!
Mo Hayder also kept me off balance and speculating endlessly between chapters as to what happened to Grey. How did she end up in a mental institution where a helpful roommate taught her about jigging (new word for me)? Does Grey have a labeled psychotic condition? As the action heats up I was worried about her fragile mental condition and whether each new setback would be the one that put her back in a state of mind that had her institutionalized.
On the other timeline with Shi Chongming and his wife in Nanking, Hayder puts you right there with them starving to death, paralyzed with fear, unwilling to accept what is happening, and finding yourself lifting a rock over your head to do the unthinkable. The pacing is perfect. Hayder strings out the information with such patience. Each new disclosure packs a punch that will leave you dazed. I needed an 8 count more than once to let the latest illumination click into place. Highly recommended. Much more than just a thriller, it is more like a white knuckled LA freeway experience, coupled with an important exposé into the very real tragedy that occurred in Nanking. Highly Recommended!
War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!
Will Byrnes wrote an insightful review about the book The Rape of Nanking please don't miss it. Click for Will Byrnes Review
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
Rape of Nanking
Obsessions are sometimes strangely conceived. We don’t know why something out of an onslaught of information sticks with us and won’t let go of us. For our protagonist Grey growing up in an overly protective home the one thing that slips through all the rigorous controls of her parents is a book, an orange covered book, on the atrocities that happened in Nanking, China in 1937. Maybe the reason she was so interested in what that book had to say was that it talked about an aspect of human behavior that was so far removed from anything else she had ever read about or even thought about.
Nine years, seven months and eighteen days, is how long she has been researching, investigating every nugget of available information about an atrocity that most people would rather leave buried in the past. Nine years, seven months, and eighteen days is how long it has taken her to track down Shi Chongming.
A man with a secret, a devastating secret.
Shi Chongming stood in the doorway, very smart and correct, looking at me in silence, his hands at his sides as if he was waiting to be inspected. He was incredibly tiny, like a doll, and around the delicate triangle of his face hung shoulder, length hair, perfectly white, as if he had a snow shawl draped across his shoulders.
He is a Chinese linguist hired by a Japanese university. He is a survivor of the 1937 slaughter of Nanking. He is the reason that Grey has come from London to Japan. She is chasing down a rumor that he has a short film that confirms and exposes the devastation perpetrated on the Chinese civilians by Japanese soldiers.
Shi Chongming denies it, but not convincingly. He puts her off. She adds days to her quest. Nine years, seven months, and twenty days. She is broke. Tokyo even in the 1990s recession is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
A good looking American named Jason finds her in the park and offers her a place to stay. Now Grey is naive, but since she left the confines of her parent’s bubble of protection she has received some knocks, some realizations with tragic consequences that have given her some understanding of how the world works. Men don’t offer to give you shelter without expecting some kind of payment. Jason has his own quirks and Grey soon becomes one of them.
”You’re hiding something.” He raised his arms and used the sleeves of his T-Shirt to wipe his forehead. “It’s easy. I just look at you and I can see it. I don’t know what it is exactly, but I’ve go the--the instinct it’s something I’m going to like. See I’m a...’ he raised two fingers and lightly tapped his forehead ‘...I’m a visionary when it come to women. I can feel it in the air. My God, my skin.’ He shivered and ran his hands down my arms. ‘My skin just about changes colour.’
‘You’re wrong.’ I wrapped my hands round my stomach. ‘I’m not hiding anything.’
‘Yes, you are.’
‘I’m not.’
He looked at me in amusement...’Of course you’re not.’
Grey is most definitely hiding something.
A lit poster of Mickey Rourke provided the only source of light in Grey’s room in the crumbling house she shares with Jason and a couple of Russian girls.
Jason hooks her up with a Madame Strawberry who dresses like Marilyn Monroe, and has procured the help of a plastic surgeon to increase her resemblance to the Hollywood icon . She runs an upscale nightclub with a Some Like it Hot theme. Grey is not a natural fit for entertaining men, but caucasian hostesses are in short supply, so she is hired on a trial basis.
It turns out she is pretty good at it. In what could have been a disaster she decides to talk about Nanking with a group of men who are the sons of the soldiers that invaded China. They know nothing about the barbarity that was perpetrated by their fathers as they crossed China. These men who when they returned to Japan hugged their wives, their mothers, and their daughters were the same men who brutally raped Chinese women on an epic scale. These men who played games with their sons, and honored their fathers in Japan were the same men who killed so many civilians in Nanking that they had to pile them up in a mound so large that at one point, from a distance, the stack of bodies is mistaken by a resident of the city for Tiger Mountain.
Civilization, our grandest achievement, is so readily abandoned. The veneer of honor is replaced with a total disregard for human life. I wish I could say that what happened in Nanking was just an anomaly, but there are plenty of examples in history where civilized human beings became barbarians.
Grey needs to see that film. It will confirm all she has been working for.
When a man in a wheelchair, a seemingly insignificant event, arrives at the nightclub with an entourage and a nurse of uncertain sexual orientation it quickly becomes apparent to Grey that this is no ordinary man. He is a member of an organization called the Yakuza.
”Anywhere in Tokyo you could be aware of the presence of the yakuza: the underground gangs who claimed to be descendants of the samurai tradition. They were some of the most feared and violent men in Asia. Sometimes it was just the sounds of the bosozoku motorcycle gangs that reminded you of their existence, like a chrome wave rolling down Meiji Dori at dead of night, sweeping everything in front of them, the characters for kamikaze painted on their helmets.”
Even Grey, as naive as she is, knows to be careful. (The quote above reminds me of that scene from the 1989 movie Black Rain when the Andy Garcia character is surrounded by yakuza gangsters with samurai swords whipping through the air on motorcycles in a parking garage. One of the most dramatic death scenes on film.)
He was pushing a wheelchair, in which sat a diminutive insectile man, fragile as an ageing iguana. His head was small, his skin as dry and crenulated as a walnut, and his nose was just a tiny isosceles, nothing more than two shady dabs for nostrils – like a skull’s. The wizened hands that poked out from his suit cuffs were long and brown and dry as dead leaves.
Fuyuki may need help getting around, but despite his infirmity his power is undiminished. As the plot thickens Grey discovers that Fuyuki has something that Shi Chongming desperately wants. The only way Grey is going to get to see that film is if she can steal the “potion” that Fuyuki needs to live.
I wouldn’t say I’ve exactly given up on thrillers. I used to read them by the wheelbarrow full, but have found them in recent years to be bloated, too influenced by CGI, and frankly unsatisfactory. Arah-Lynda sent me this book as a recommendation with a compelling wish that I would read it and review it. How could I possibly say no? By the way Arah-Lynda wrote this spectacular review of this book that everyone should read. Arah-Lynda review
Mo Hayder wrote two stories one set in 1937 with Shi Chongming and the other in the 1990s with Grey. Usually when I read a book with two timelines I prefer one or the other and find myself impatiently reading the one that I don’t prefer so I can get back to the one that really has my attention. NOT the case at all here. Both storylines are so compelling that I eagerly gulped down each new revelation in either time period with equal relish.
Nice neck Mo!
Mo Hayder also kept me off balance and speculating endlessly between chapters as to what happened to Grey. How did she end up in a mental institution where a helpful roommate taught her about jigging (new word for me)? Does Grey have a labeled psychotic condition? As the action heats up I was worried about her fragile mental condition and whether each new setback would be the one that put her back in a state of mind that had her institutionalized.
On the other timeline with Shi Chongming and his wife in Nanking, Hayder puts you right there with them starving to death, paralyzed with fear, unwilling to accept what is happening, and finding yourself lifting a rock over your head to do the unthinkable. The pacing is perfect. Hayder strings out the information with such patience. Each new disclosure packs a punch that will leave you dazed. I needed an 8 count more than once to let the latest illumination click into place. Highly recommended. Much more than just a thriller, it is more like a white knuckled LA freeway experience, coupled with an important exposé into the very real tragedy that occurred in Nanking. Highly Recommended!
War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!
Will Byrnes wrote an insightful review about the book The Rape of Nanking please don't miss it. Click for Will Byrnes Review
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
February 24, 2016
Mo Hayder delivers the most thought provoking thriller I have ever encountered. Set in 1990 Tokyo with roots that take you back to the 1937 Nanking massacre, this account is positively chilling.
Three voices have entered my head.
Grey: is a personally troubled, young student from London, with a highly unstable past and a vested interest in her research of war atrocities, most notably the 1937 Nanking Massacre. She has come to Tokyo in search of Shi Chonming, a Nanking survivor, who Grey believes also possesses a lost piece of film. We learn more about her and her obsession with Chongming as the story advances, peeling back the layers slowly as one might an onion.
It is 1990
Shi Chongming stood in the doorway, very smart and correct, looking at me in silence, his hands at his sides as if he was waiting to be inspected. He was incredibly tiny, like a doll, and around the delicate triangle of his face hung shoulder, length hair, perfectly white, as if he had a snow shawl draped across his shoulders.
I’m not very good at knowing what other people are thinking, but I do know that you can see tragedy, real tragedy, sitting just inside a person’s gaze. You can almost always see where a person has been if you look hard enough. It had taken me such a long time to track down Shi Chongming. He was in his seventies, and it was amazing to me that, in spite of his age and in spite of what he must feel about the Japanese, he was here, a visiting professor at Todai, the greatest university in Japan.
Chongming: We hear his voice as he remembers his time in Nanking:
We slept fitfully, in our shoes just as before. A little before dawn we were woken by a series of tremendous screams. It seemed to be coming from only a few streets away and it was distinctly a woman’s voice. I looked across at Shujin. She lay absolutely rigid, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, her head resting on the wooden pillow. The screaming continued for about five minutes, getting more desperate and more horrible, until at last it faded to indistinct sobs, and finally silence. Then the noise of a motorcycle on the main street thundered down the alley, shaking the shutters and making the bowl of tea on the bed-stand rock.
At the base of the tree the handcart had been set upright, our blankets and belongings scattered around it. A set of muffled tracks led away into the trees. I swerved into them, my eyes watering, ducking as the bare branches whipped against my face. The track led on for a few more yards, then changed. I skidded to a halt, my heart racing; the tracks had become wider here. An area of disturbed snow stretched around me for several feet, as if she had fallen to the ground in pain. Or as if there had been a struggle. Something lay half buried at my feet. I fell to a crouch and snatched it up, turning it over in my hands. A thin piece of tape, frayed and torn. My thoughts slowed, a terrible dread creeping over me. Attached to the tape were two Imperial Japanese Army dogtags.
In direct contrast to the atrocities of this story lay Hayder’s breathless, lyrical prose. She paints vivid scenes with her words.
In the distance, black against the sky, a behemoth of tinted glass supported by eight massive black columns rocketed up above all the other skyscrapers. Four gigantic black marble gargoyles crouched on each corner of the roof, gas streams in their mouths blowing fire jets fifty feet out until the sky seemed to be on fire.
Bolted by a mechanical arm to the crown of the skyscraper there was a vast cut-out of a woman sitting on a swing. Marilyn Monroe. She must have been thirty feet from her white high heels to her peroxide hair, and she swung back and forward in fifty foot arcs, molten neon flickering so that her white summer dress appeared to be blowing up above her waist. That’s Some Like It Hot. The club where we work.
It is here where Grey finds work and makes a sinister connection, one that may help her convince Chongming to let her see the film she so desperately needs to see.
Hayder does not just paint great backdrops; she also introduces us to characters that slither deep into our consciousness.
In the centre of the gang was a slim man in a black polo- neck, his hair tied in a ponytail. He was pushing a wheelchair, in which sat a diminutive insectile man, fragile as an ageing iguana. His head was small, his skin as dry and crenulated as a walnut, and his nose was just a tiny isosceles, nothing more than two shady dabs for nostrils – like a skull’s. The wizened hands that poked out from his suit cuffs were long and brown and dry as dead leaves.
Hayder deftly controls the pace at which both these narratives unfold, tension building with each turn of the page. I was riveted, unwilling just then, to leave behind the events of 1990, and but a few pages later, so equally reluctant to leave Nanking.
Iris Chang: Author of The Rape of Nanking to whom Hayder has dedicated this book, whose bravery and scholarship first lifted the name of Nanking out of obscurity.
This is her voice:
I want to hear more.
Three voices have entered my head.
Grey: is a personally troubled, young student from London, with a highly unstable past and a vested interest in her research of war atrocities, most notably the 1937 Nanking Massacre. She has come to Tokyo in search of Shi Chonming, a Nanking survivor, who Grey believes also possesses a lost piece of film. We learn more about her and her obsession with Chongming as the story advances, peeling back the layers slowly as one might an onion.
It is 1990
Shi Chongming stood in the doorway, very smart and correct, looking at me in silence, his hands at his sides as if he was waiting to be inspected. He was incredibly tiny, like a doll, and around the delicate triangle of his face hung shoulder, length hair, perfectly white, as if he had a snow shawl draped across his shoulders.
I’m not very good at knowing what other people are thinking, but I do know that you can see tragedy, real tragedy, sitting just inside a person’s gaze. You can almost always see where a person has been if you look hard enough. It had taken me such a long time to track down Shi Chongming. He was in his seventies, and it was amazing to me that, in spite of his age and in spite of what he must feel about the Japanese, he was here, a visiting professor at Todai, the greatest university in Japan.
Chongming: We hear his voice as he remembers his time in Nanking:
We slept fitfully, in our shoes just as before. A little before dawn we were woken by a series of tremendous screams. It seemed to be coming from only a few streets away and it was distinctly a woman’s voice. I looked across at Shujin. She lay absolutely rigid, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, her head resting on the wooden pillow. The screaming continued for about five minutes, getting more desperate and more horrible, until at last it faded to indistinct sobs, and finally silence. Then the noise of a motorcycle on the main street thundered down the alley, shaking the shutters and making the bowl of tea on the bed-stand rock.
At the base of the tree the handcart had been set upright, our blankets and belongings scattered around it. A set of muffled tracks led away into the trees. I swerved into them, my eyes watering, ducking as the bare branches whipped against my face. The track led on for a few more yards, then changed. I skidded to a halt, my heart racing; the tracks had become wider here. An area of disturbed snow stretched around me for several feet, as if she had fallen to the ground in pain. Or as if there had been a struggle. Something lay half buried at my feet. I fell to a crouch and snatched it up, turning it over in my hands. A thin piece of tape, frayed and torn. My thoughts slowed, a terrible dread creeping over me. Attached to the tape were two Imperial Japanese Army dogtags.
In direct contrast to the atrocities of this story lay Hayder’s breathless, lyrical prose. She paints vivid scenes with her words.
In the distance, black against the sky, a behemoth of tinted glass supported by eight massive black columns rocketed up above all the other skyscrapers. Four gigantic black marble gargoyles crouched on each corner of the roof, gas streams in their mouths blowing fire jets fifty feet out until the sky seemed to be on fire.
Bolted by a mechanical arm to the crown of the skyscraper there was a vast cut-out of a woman sitting on a swing. Marilyn Monroe. She must have been thirty feet from her white high heels to her peroxide hair, and she swung back and forward in fifty foot arcs, molten neon flickering so that her white summer dress appeared to be blowing up above her waist. That’s Some Like It Hot. The club where we work.
It is here where Grey finds work and makes a sinister connection, one that may help her convince Chongming to let her see the film she so desperately needs to see.
Hayder does not just paint great backdrops; she also introduces us to characters that slither deep into our consciousness.
In the centre of the gang was a slim man in a black polo- neck, his hair tied in a ponytail. He was pushing a wheelchair, in which sat a diminutive insectile man, fragile as an ageing iguana. His head was small, his skin as dry and crenulated as a walnut, and his nose was just a tiny isosceles, nothing more than two shady dabs for nostrils – like a skull’s. The wizened hands that poked out from his suit cuffs were long and brown and dry as dead leaves.
Hayder deftly controls the pace at which both these narratives unfold, tension building with each turn of the page. I was riveted, unwilling just then, to leave behind the events of 1990, and but a few pages later, so equally reluctant to leave Nanking.
Iris Chang: Author of The Rape of Nanking to whom Hayder has dedicated this book, whose bravery and scholarship first lifted the name of Nanking out of obscurity.
This is her voice:
“I want the rape of Nanking to penetrate into public consciousness. Unless we truly understand how these atrocities can happen, we can’t be certain that it won’t happen again.
If the Japanese government doesn’t reckon with the crimes of its wartime leaders, history is going to leave them as tainted as their ancestors. You can’t blame this generation for what happened years ago, but you can blame them for not acknowledging these crimes.
Denial is an integral part of atrocity, and it’s a natural part after a society has committed genocide. First you kill, and then the memory of killing is killed.”
I want to hear more.
April 7, 2014
Love, love, love.
Mo spent time being an escort in Tokyo, so she knows what she's talking about. I think this is a fantastic book, mostly because it's so different from her other stuff. Really shows amazing range on her part. My only quibble is that as horrible as the twist is, it's not as horrible as I was expecting, but that's only because I always expect something nasty from this author. And I mean nasty in a good way, not nasty like when your mother tells you not to touch something.
Highly recommend.
Mo spent time being an escort in Tokyo, so she knows what she's talking about. I think this is a fantastic book, mostly because it's so different from her other stuff. Really shows amazing range on her part. My only quibble is that as horrible as the twist is, it's not as horrible as I was expecting, but that's only because I always expect something nasty from this author. And I mean nasty in a good way, not nasty like when your mother tells you not to touch something.
Highly recommend.
July 6, 2016
Finished this a few days ago, and it might be my favorite book of the year. Terrifying. Expect a review next week!
October 8, 2010
Ugh. Grey (not her real name) is on a mission to uncover the truth about Nanking. Why, you wonder? Well, as a teenager, Grey got knocked up, and then figured that the only way to deal with this was to cut open her own womb. She thought the baby would be fine, because she had read that some babies survived this when the Japanese army did the same thing to pregnant women in Nanking. Supposedly she believed this because her parents had homeschooled and completely sheltered her, to the point that she didn't know that performing surgery on yourself is not a good idea. And even though she read about the actions in Nanking in a book called something like "Massacre in Nanking," she thought it was good advice to follow. She seemed to think it unfair that this resulted in her being sent to a mental hospital, but I think it was the right place for her. Oh, and she got pregnant because as a naive 13-year-old, she went off and had sex with 5 unknown teenagers in a van. And even though her parents had sheltered her to the point that she didn't know what a condom was, they gave her enough freedom to wander around the neighborhood and jump in random vans. All of these facts were huge stumbling blocks for me, and the fact that her background was never explained beyond being "sheltered" was frustrating. If your family life is such that you think a DIY Caesarean is your only option, that sounds interesting. Please share.
The good points were that Grey spends part of the book working in a hostess club, as did the author. Since those clubs aren't part of my usual Japan milieu, I was interested enough to keep reading. The "tension" and thriller aspects were practically non-existent. And I disliked Grey so much that even when she was in mortal peril I didn't care.
Not recommended.
The good points were that Grey spends part of the book working in a hostess club, as did the author. Since those clubs aren't part of my usual Japan milieu, I was interested enough to keep reading. The "tension" and thriller aspects were practically non-existent. And I disliked Grey so much that even when she was in mortal peril I didn't care.
Not recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2021
2005 read: UK crime fiction writer Mo Hayder's interesting look at ignorance and the damage it can cause and continue to cause (hint hint Nazi sympathisers). 'Grey' a one-time mental hospital patient is obsessed with the 1937 Japanese invasion of Nanking, also known as the Rape of Nanking; this obsession leads to her personally investigating what happened during that invasion, and investigation that puts Grey, possibly up against the Yakuza!
Some key themes are worked through in this book, and evidently as the result of some great research, but I do wonder if Hayder bit off more than she could chew as she balanced today's modern gangster reality of Nanking with the Nanking of the past? 5 out of 12.
Some key themes are worked through in this book, and evidently as the result of some great research, but I do wonder if Hayder bit off more than she could chew as she balanced today's modern gangster reality of Nanking with the Nanking of the past? 5 out of 12.
August 11, 2015
Man, what is it with the Japanese?
Surely there are good and bad people in every culture. But the bad Japanese? These are in a league of their own. I have read accounts and seen documentaries of Japanese POW camps. Their torture techniques were elaborately conceived to not only inflict physical agony but also emotional degradation.
Now google Nanking if you dare. The images are straight out of hell.
Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children massacred in 1937. The lucky ones were killed immediately. The unlucky endure horrors beyond imagining at the hands of psychopaths devoid of any shred of empathy towards human suffering.
Mo Hayder has imagined some horrible evil in her Jack Caffrey series. Unfortunately, in The Devil of Nanking, she had history to draw from. It's hard to say you've enjoyed something at the expense of what happened to these poor people.
Anyways, Mo Hayder puts her fine writing chops to work based on this time in history. So fine, in fact, that her writing was at times unrecognizable from her other crime novels. She seemed to find a more literary style for this one.
The story surrounds an English woman who is obsessed with what she has learned about Nanking, and she travels to Japan
for confirmation of her findings. In "Grey", Hayder has created a unique character. The revelations learned about Nanking from journal entries are just as engaging as learning about Grey and her history.
Only one thing made me roll my eyes a bit:
Mo Hayder is a can't miss author. It was great to read something outside of her Jack Caffrey series, and reminds me to get back to that soon.
Surely there are good and bad people in every culture. But the bad Japanese? These are in a league of their own. I have read accounts and seen documentaries of Japanese POW camps. Their torture techniques were elaborately conceived to not only inflict physical agony but also emotional degradation.
Now google Nanking if you dare. The images are straight out of hell.
Hundreds of thousands of men, women and children massacred in 1937. The lucky ones were killed immediately. The unlucky endure horrors beyond imagining at the hands of psychopaths devoid of any shred of empathy towards human suffering.
Mo Hayder has imagined some horrible evil in her Jack Caffrey series. Unfortunately, in The Devil of Nanking, she had history to draw from. It's hard to say you've enjoyed something at the expense of what happened to these poor people.
Anyways, Mo Hayder puts her fine writing chops to work based on this time in history. So fine, in fact, that her writing was at times unrecognizable from her other crime novels. She seemed to find a more literary style for this one.
The story surrounds an English woman who is obsessed with what she has learned about Nanking, and she travels to Japan
for confirmation of her findings. In "Grey", Hayder has created a unique character. The revelations learned about Nanking from journal entries are just as engaging as learning about Grey and her history.
Only one thing made me roll my eyes a bit:
Mo Hayder is a can't miss author. It was great to read something outside of her Jack Caffrey series, and reminds me to get back to that soon.
February 8, 2012
This book somehow manages to be both a mystery/thriller AND a cross between literary and historical fiction at the same time. I was just riveted from page one.
It's hard to believe this is the same author as "Ritual" which was exciting but certainly not written at this level of detail. I completely trusted the world and characters this author has created.
I don't give 5 stars very often and though this had a few holes (mostly to do with wanting more details but not needing them) "Devil of Nanking" deserves all 5 stars for creating such compelling characters and completely inhabiting them. This book made me want to runaway to Tokyo taking only cash and my camera. And then to runaway from Tokyo as its dark underbelly was exposed. In the end, though, I feel I can visit the Tokyo Mo Hayder created just by closing my eyes.
It's hard to believe this is the same author as "Ritual" which was exciting but certainly not written at this level of detail. I completely trusted the world and characters this author has created.
I don't give 5 stars very often and though this had a few holes (mostly to do with wanting more details but not needing them) "Devil of Nanking" deserves all 5 stars for creating such compelling characters and completely inhabiting them. This book made me want to runaway to Tokyo taking only cash and my camera. And then to runaway from Tokyo as its dark underbelly was exposed. In the end, though, I feel I can visit the Tokyo Mo Hayder created just by closing my eyes.
November 23, 2017
رواية شيطان نانكنغ للمؤلفة البريطانية مو هايدر تجسد مأساة بشرية تتكرر في أكثر من زمان ومكان. مأساة أسرة صغيرة راحت ضحية لحرب أحرقت الأخضر واليابس بلا هدف سوى إشباع النزعة الشيطانية لدى فئة أسائت استغلال السلطة والقوة. تدور أحداث الرواية في فترتين زمنيتين: ثلاثينات القرن الماضي عندما اكتسح الجيش الياباني الأراضي الصينية وصولا للعاصمة القديمة نانكنج، والفترة الثانية سبعينات القرن الماضي حيث كانت بطلة الرواية جراي تسعى لإثبات وقوع مجزرة نانكنج التي راح ضحيتها مئات الآلاف من المدنيين الصينيين على يد الجيش الياباني. خلال سعيها للوصول إلى الدليل على وقوع المجزرة وهو فيلم سري يحتفظ به بروفيسور صيني يدعى شي جونقمنج تمر البطلة بأحداث كثيرة. يشترط عليها البروفيسور للحصول على الفيلم ان تؤدي له خدمة بالحصول على دواء خاص يشبه أكسير الحياة يحتفظ به زعيم عصابة ياباني يدعى فيوكي. ولهذا الإكسير سر قديم يربط حكاية البروفيسور وزعيم العصابة. تقدم الرواية تفاصيل مؤلمة وحزينة لما عاناه سكان نانكنج من الخوف والمجاعة والأسر والإبادة الجماعية. هذه الرواية رغم أنها خيالية إلا أنها ستكسر الصورة النمطية لليابان في ذهن القاريء وستثير تساؤلات كثيرة حول طبيعة الخير والشر في نفس الإنسان.
تم قراءة هذه الرواية مع مجموعة من أعضاء مجموعة الأدب والثقافة اليابانية الكرام ضمن مبادرة القراء البحرينيون.
تم قراءة هذه الرواية مع مجموعة من أعضاء مجموعة الأدب والثقافة اليابانية الكرام ضمن مبادرة القراء البحرينيون.
February 5, 2017
A 'thriller' devoid of thrills.
Wanted to give up halfway due to the borefest of characters, foreshadowing that's obvious to all but the MC (who just happened to excel in the tasks required of her, by the way) and convenient plot train.
There is food for thought but it's undermined by the easy coincidences and my inability to empathise with the MC; her feelings were understandable but the plot armour she's wearing just felt like a cop-out most of the time.
I plodded on to the finish line; the ending did redeem the book from being a one-star as the story finally came to a focal point.
Wanted to give up halfway due to the borefest of characters, foreshadowing that's obvious to all but the MC (who just happened to excel in the tasks required of her, by the way) and convenient plot train.
There is food for thought but it's undermined by the easy coincidences and my inability to empathise with the MC; her feelings were understandable but the plot armour she's wearing just felt like a cop-out most of the time.
I plodded on to the finish line; the ending did redeem the book from being a one-star as the story finally came to a focal point.
April 12, 2020
4.5 of 5 stars
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This book, inspired by the real Nanking massacre in 1937, was very dark and very disturbing. I can really feel myself holding my own breath as this was so intense, so incredibly terrifying and chilling to read that I can feel the goosebumps all over me while reading this book. Especially the ending where it finally showed what was inside that film Grey was seeking. My stomach seriously turned!! The twist of this book made my head spin. It was so fitting to have both Grey and Shi Chongming's perspective which was shown in a different timeline, both perspective eventually meet and decided to drop the bomb at the end. There are a lot of trigger warnings that everyone should be aware of before reading, but nevertheless, this was very thought provoking. I highly highly recommend this for those who are willing to proceed with this kind of book.
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This book, inspired by the real Nanking massacre in 1937, was very dark and very disturbing. I can really feel myself holding my own breath as this was so intense, so incredibly terrifying and chilling to read that I can feel the goosebumps all over me while reading this book. Especially the ending where it finally showed what was inside that film Grey was seeking. My stomach seriously turned!! The twist of this book made my head spin. It was so fitting to have both Grey and Shi Chongming's perspective which was shown in a different timeline, both perspective eventually meet and decided to drop the bomb at the end. There are a lot of trigger warnings that everyone should be aware of before reading, but nevertheless, this was very thought provoking. I highly highly recommend this for those who are willing to proceed with this kind of book.
November 23, 2024
4.0 Stars
The historical timeline was so dark and harrowing. Unfortunately I didn't connect as well with the more modern timeline. I understand how the author tried to tie the themes together but I would have much rather had the whole story from the past perspective.
The historical timeline was so dark and harrowing. Unfortunately I didn't connect as well with the more modern timeline. I understand how the author tried to tie the themes together but I would have much rather had the whole story from the past perspective.
February 23, 2013
It is really hard to categorise this book. It is really scary but not a horror story (well not in the conventional sense). There is a mystery at the heart of it but it isn't crime or mystery. It is about another culture that is sometimes hard to understand and accept. It creeped me out but I had to keep reading (though I am not a fan of being scared) It was dark and sinister but not bloody and gory. It was also enlightening. My mother is Chinese and hates the Japanese, which always embarrassed me. I guess I have a little understanding of where this comes from now.
February 10, 2017
5/5 stars | Favorite Standalones
Just decided to go for it because I honestly am still flipping through it daily to see if I can see anything new or figure out questions I've had - plus that writing is just beautiful!!
4.5/5stars
I FINALLY FINISHED IT. All it took was me getting violently sick and being forced to stay in bed rather than go out with college people for me to absolutely tear through this book - and it was INCREDIBLE.
This book is sort of impossible to explain. Many people have asked me in the past two weeks as it sat on my bed where they wanted to chill while we all hung out in my room - and I have yet to find the correct words to explain it. This is a thriller, a horror novel, literary fiction, magical realism, and historical fiction. This book made me feel more emotions than I have in a LONG time - and yes, I did almost cry at the end. I've never cried at a book but goddamn this almost took the cake.
This book follows a young Englishwoman in Japan named Grey. Grey has had a traumatic experience in the past due to her ignorance in the world and everyone around her has named her insane, mentally incapacitated and a danger to people around her. She continually tells them that; no, she's not insane, and continues to allude to the dark thing she had done and the obscure sentence she read in a book about the Massacre of Nanking that lead her to do it. It follows her obsessive search for a video tape she believes will prove that she's not crazy, which leads her to a roller coaster of events after meeting the man Shi Chongming who tells her he will give her the footage if she can help him out first.
This book was just... like, WOW. I'm honestly still wishywashy on whether this is a 4.5 stars or a 5/5stars and possibly a fave because I'm still just trying to process everything. The characters are just incredible - they're all so fleshed out, yet mysterious and keeping you on your toes and wanting to keep reading just to figure out everything. The plot took so many twists I actually am kind of glad I read this book slowly or I might have missed something. The writing is STUNNING like genuinely, I'm never a big one for flowery writing (which this is not) but damn Mo Hayder knows how to chose her words carefully and construct some beautiful passages. The entire ending that we were leading up to sort of confused me until the very VERY end and then it just hit me SO FREAKING HARD.
The ONLY thing I'd say I didn't like was that this book is told in two timelines - the current one in Grey's POV and the one from the Massacre in Chongming's POV and the ones from the past could get a little bit boring (they were almost always the ones I would finish and put the book down saying I was done reading).
But other than that this was INCREDIBLE. highly recommend for people over the age of 18 because damn this is hella graphic, deals with some incredibly tough and touchy issues but is so amazing; a definite must read for anyone interested in Asian history, thrillers, or just is interested by it!!
Just decided to go for it because I honestly am still flipping through it daily to see if I can see anything new or figure out questions I've had - plus that writing is just beautiful!!
I FINALLY FINISHED IT. All it took was me getting violently sick and being forced to stay in bed rather than go out with college people for me to absolutely tear through this book - and it was INCREDIBLE.
This book is sort of impossible to explain. Many people have asked me in the past two weeks as it sat on my bed where they wanted to chill while we all hung out in my room - and I have yet to find the correct words to explain it. This is a thriller, a horror novel, literary fiction, magical realism, and historical fiction. This book made me feel more emotions than I have in a LONG time - and yes, I did almost cry at the end. I've never cried at a book but goddamn this almost took the cake.
This book follows a young Englishwoman in Japan named Grey. Grey has had a traumatic experience in the past due to her ignorance in the world and everyone around her has named her insane, mentally incapacitated and a danger to people around her. She continually tells them that; no, she's not insane, and continues to allude to the dark thing she had done and the obscure sentence she read in a book about the Massacre of Nanking that lead her to do it. It follows her obsessive search for a video tape she believes will prove that she's not crazy, which leads her to a roller coaster of events after meeting the man Shi Chongming who tells her he will give her the footage if she can help him out first.
This book was just... like, WOW. I'm honestly still wishywashy on whether this is a 4.5 stars or a 5/5stars and possibly a fave because I'm still just trying to process everything. The characters are just incredible - they're all so fleshed out, yet mysterious and keeping you on your toes and wanting to keep reading just to figure out everything. The plot took so many twists I actually am kind of glad I read this book slowly or I might have missed something. The writing is STUNNING like genuinely, I'm never a big one for flowery writing (which this is not) but damn Mo Hayder knows how to chose her words carefully and construct some beautiful passages. The entire ending that we were leading up to sort of confused me until the very VERY end and then it just hit me SO FREAKING HARD.
The ONLY thing I'd say I didn't like was that this book is told in two timelines - the current one in Grey's POV and the one from the Massacre in Chongming's POV and the ones from the past could get a little bit boring (they were almost always the ones I would finish and put the book down saying I was done reading).
But other than that this was INCREDIBLE. highly recommend for people over the age of 18 because damn this is hella graphic, deals with some incredibly tough and touchy issues but is so amazing; a definite must read for anyone interested in Asian history, thrillers, or just is interested by it!!
May 19, 2016
Για να είμαι ειλικρινείς, για τη "σφαγή της Σανγκάης", δεν είχα ακούσει τίποτε. Το βιβλίο αναφέρετε σε αυτό το "μαύρο" γεγονός για την ιστορία της Κίνας και της Ιαπωνίας. Πόσο σκλήρα απάνθρωπος μετατρέπεται κανείς εν καιρό πολέμου????
February 5, 2017
This book was a pleasant surprise. I think I was expecting more shock-horror based on the summary (which I'm not a huge fan of), but I'd seen so many positive reviews (and I can't resist thrillers set in Japan) so I decided to give it a go. Well, friends, this is not at all shock-horror, so if a book about Nanking freaks you out don't fear: there's no gratuitous violence. In fact, there's little violence at all... though when it does happen, it's very effective.
This is a dual-narrative thriller/horror about a young woman obsessed with a video shot during the Rape of Nanking. The other timeline follows the past of man who has the video, but doesn't want to give it up. While the violence in Nanking is obviously the theme that ties these two together, there's a lot going on: hostess bars, a possibly haunted and decaying mansion in Tokyo, the yakuza, and a potential immortality potion. Our main character has a strange and traumatic past, there's a psychotic murderous nurse... good stuff all around. It may seem like a lot to shove into a book just over 300 pages long, but it works so effectively. Mo Hayder is a very skilled storyteller: the themes in both narratives fit together perfectly, and the pacing was fantastic.
My main complaint probably seems very strange, and possibly callous: I was expecting the final reveal of what's on the tape/what happened to be WAY worse than it was. This is potentially because I've read a lot about real-world tragedies, so I was kind of expecting it to be the most horrible thing that had ever happened in human history or some nonsense like that. I mean, it is terrible (and based on something that actually happened in Nanking) and shocking but... maybe I'm just immune to how terrible humans are. I spent the whole book kind of tensing up in preparation for the ending, but I think there were scenes in the "main" present-day narrative that were far worse? Or at least more effective horror: it's definitely a scary book.
If you like psychological thrillers but are tired of the endless copy-paste "woman in danger" narrative that is tossed around in today's publishing world, this might be a book for you. It's very fresh-feeling. Or if you like wartime historical fiction, books set in China/Japan, slow creeping horror... really, it's a novel with broad appeal.
This is a dual-narrative thriller/horror about a young woman obsessed with a video shot during the Rape of Nanking. The other timeline follows the past of man who has the video, but doesn't want to give it up. While the violence in Nanking is obviously the theme that ties these two together, there's a lot going on: hostess bars, a possibly haunted and decaying mansion in Tokyo, the yakuza, and a potential immortality potion. Our main character has a strange and traumatic past, there's a psychotic murderous nurse... good stuff all around. It may seem like a lot to shove into a book just over 300 pages long, but it works so effectively. Mo Hayder is a very skilled storyteller: the themes in both narratives fit together perfectly, and the pacing was fantastic.
My main complaint probably seems very strange, and possibly callous: I was expecting the final reveal of what's on the tape/what happened to be WAY worse than it was. This is potentially because I've read a lot about real-world tragedies, so I was kind of expecting it to be the most horrible thing that had ever happened in human history or some nonsense like that. I mean, it is terrible (and based on something that actually happened in Nanking) and shocking but... maybe I'm just immune to how terrible humans are. I spent the whole book kind of tensing up in preparation for the ending, but I think there were scenes in the "main" present-day narrative that were far worse? Or at least more effective horror: it's definitely a scary book.
If you like psychological thrillers but are tired of the endless copy-paste "woman in danger" narrative that is tossed around in today's publishing world, this might be a book for you. It's very fresh-feeling. Or if you like wartime historical fiction, books set in China/Japan, slow creeping horror... really, it's a novel with broad appeal.
March 28, 2019
Một cuốn sách mà mình thấy em nó được khen ngợi và mong mỏi tái bản nhiều quá, tới mức khi có sách là mình cũng đọc thử xem thế nào, vâng, đúng là hay thật.
Mạch truyện rất cuốn hút, tác giả dẫn dắt rất khéo léo và kéo người đọc lọt hố lúc nào không biết luôn. Cách kể chuyện đan xen hiện tại và quá khứ, những hồi ức kinh hoàng cứ hiện lên giữa những hiểm nguy trên con đường tìm kiếm sự thật, cùng những dằn vặt đau đớn chưa thể nguôi ngoai.
Không gian truyện đậm chất bí ẩn và hồi hộp, trời ơi có những đoạn tác giả làm mình phải ngồi bật dậy đọc cho nó tập trung =)))
Viết về tội ác chiến tranh dựa trên những thông tin tác giả thu thập được cùng sự hư cấu, tác giả đã lột tả rất rõ nét sự tàn bạo của những người lính Nhật Bản trong cuộc thảm sát tại Nam Kinh, những điều ghê rợn mà họ đã làm với những người dân thường vô tội. Dù có bao nhiêu năm qua đi, lịch sử dù có hiện lên khác lạ dưới những ngòi bút nhiều người, nhưng nỗi đau của những người ở lại, những người phải chứng kiến những tội ác khủng khiếp trong cuộc tàn sát thì không thể nguôi ngoai. Nó như một ngọn lửa âm ỉ cháy trong lòng, chỉ đợi một ngày bùng lên.
Từng hình ảnh, từng câu chuyện cứ dần hiện ra trên hành trình tìm kiếm sự thật bị lấp kín suốt bao năm qua của một cô gái người Anh bị coi là điên cuồng lập dị, hiểm nguy nhưng vô cùng xứng đáng.
Tóm lại thì đây là một cuốn mình nghĩ là rất nên đọc, nếu anh em thích dòng thriller/horror cùng chủ đề chiến tranh. Lại thêm một cuốn vào kệ my-fav-of-all-time rồi, ưng quá yayyyyy.
Mạch truyện rất cuốn hút, tác giả dẫn dắt rất khéo léo và kéo người đọc lọt hố lúc nào không biết luôn. Cách kể chuyện đan xen hiện tại và quá khứ, những hồi ức kinh hoàng cứ hiện lên giữa những hiểm nguy trên con đường tìm kiếm sự thật, cùng những dằn vặt đau đớn chưa thể nguôi ngoai.
Không gian truyện đậm chất bí ẩn và hồi hộp, trời ơi có những đoạn tác giả làm mình phải ngồi bật dậy đọc cho nó tập trung =)))
Viết về tội ác chiến tranh dựa trên những thông tin tác giả thu thập được cùng sự hư cấu, tác giả đã lột tả rất rõ nét sự tàn bạo của những người lính Nhật Bản trong cuộc thảm sát tại Nam Kinh, những điều ghê rợn mà họ đã làm với những người dân thường vô tội. Dù có bao nhiêu năm qua đi, lịch sử dù có hiện lên khác lạ dưới những ngòi bút nhiều người, nhưng nỗi đau của những người ở lại, những người phải chứng kiến những tội ác khủng khiếp trong cuộc tàn sát thì không thể nguôi ngoai. Nó như một ngọn lửa âm ỉ cháy trong lòng, chỉ đợi một ngày bùng lên.
Từng hình ảnh, từng câu chuyện cứ dần hiện ra trên hành trình tìm kiếm sự thật bị lấp kín suốt bao năm qua của một cô gái người Anh bị coi là điên cuồng lập dị, hiểm nguy nhưng vô cùng xứng đáng.
Tóm lại thì đây là một cuốn mình nghĩ là rất nên đọc, nếu anh em thích dòng thriller/horror cùng chủ đề chiến tranh. Lại thêm một cuốn vào kệ my-fav-of-all-time rồi, ưng quá yayyyyy.
October 27, 2020
Vẫn dở và câu giờ như cũ.
October 23, 2016
This is a sad journey of validation.
I went into this book remembering only that it was partly historical fiction. I prepared myself for some heavy lifting of facts, dates and maybe even geography :o My preparation entailed clearing my slate of all other tomes; I wanted to give this the attention Katherine (her review) said it warranted.
Man this is so much more. I can't quite put my finger on what it is; it's a little bit mystery, and a little bit horror (think Donny and Marie) wrapped in a whole lot of literary fiction. Beautifully written. I made notes of passages that I wanted to remember or that affected me. I wanted to share some of them here, but I was afraid that they would give away some of the plot. So you'll have to take my word for it, this author can sling it.
More than a few of my notes were about how sad I felt reading this story. There were times when I was choked up to the point that I couldn't swallow, other times where I tried to read past the tears in my eyes, but mostly my heart ached.
I went into this thinking that my brain would get a workout, little did I know that my heart would be the one doing all the heavy lifting.
Full disclosure: I received this book from the library in exchange for my promise to return it. I will. I will also get myself a copy so I can reread this at my leisure. Thanks Katherine!
I went into this book remembering only that it was partly historical fiction. I prepared myself for some heavy lifting of facts, dates and maybe even geography :o My preparation entailed clearing my slate of all other tomes; I wanted to give this the attention Katherine (her review) said it warranted.
Man this is so much more. I can't quite put my finger on what it is; it's a little bit mystery, and a little bit horror (think Donny and Marie) wrapped in a whole lot of literary fiction. Beautifully written. I made notes of passages that I wanted to remember or that affected me. I wanted to share some of them here, but I was afraid that they would give away some of the plot. So you'll have to take my word for it, this author can sling it.
More than a few of my notes were about how sad I felt reading this story. There were times when I was choked up to the point that I couldn't swallow, other times where I tried to read past the tears in my eyes, but mostly my heart ached.
I went into this thinking that my brain would get a workout, little did I know that my heart would be the one doing all the heavy lifting.
Full disclosure: I received this book from the library in exchange for my promise to return it. I will. I will also get myself a copy so I can reread this at my leisure. Thanks Katherine!
November 23, 2014
This is not for the faint of heart. It's creepy and full of horrors (some imagined, some based in historical reality). Mo Hayder is definitely attracted to horrible events and twisted and/or strange--not to mention deviant--characters.
That being said, this is a well written and fascinating crime thriller/historical novel.
The author does everything right. She builds suspense and tension. She writes beautifully. The characters are weird and memorable. There are plenty of surprises and strange reveals. Mo Hayder describes the two settings (Nanking before and during the 1936 Nanking massacre, in which the Japanese brutalized the Chinese civilians of the city) and contemporary Tokyo beautifully. The characters, settings, and events come to vivid life. The whole thing is memorably creepy. There's also plenty of erotic tension as Grey discovers her repressed sexuality.
Grey (it's her nickname, based on "Grey Alien", and the only name we know her by) comes to Tokyo seeking information about the Nanking Massacre, with which she is totally obsessed, for reasons we only understand towards the end of the book. She arrives in Japan penniless and jobless, and in the beginning sleeps in a public park.
In the park she meets Jason, who rents her a room in his house, and helps her get a job as a hostess in an upscale Tokyo club called "Some Like It Hot" because its Japanese owner, Mama Strawberry, is obsessed with Marilyn Monroe, dying her hair blonde and making every attempt to look like Marilyn.
A pair of Russian twins, Irina and Svetlana, also rent from Jason and work in the same club.
Grey seeks out Professor Shu Chongming, because he has the only known film footage of the Nanking Massacre. At first he refuses to work with Grey. Then, he makes a deal with Grey. He will show her the film if she can find out the longevity secret of the ancient, wheelchair bound, apparently gentle (and reputedly very dangerous) yakuza gangster who sometimes comes to "Some Like it Hot" with his creepy entourage, including a strangely masculine nurse with a reputation as a terrifying monster.
Shu Chongming is the second most important character, as he narrates the Nanking events.
Things devolve, and Grey, Jason, Irina, and Svetlana get into deeper and deeper waters, until disaster strikes.
The seemingly frail Grey, the main character, turns out to have more courage than we would have guessed.
No one is what they seem to be in this terrifying and creepy thriller.
The audiobook is well read by two of the best audio readers in the business. Simon Vance reads Shu Chongming's section (the Nanking events). Josephine Bailey reads Grey's sections. Both of them are pitch perfect.
It's a great read, but if you are easily triggered by descriptions of horrible acts, stay away.
That being said, this is a well written and fascinating crime thriller/historical novel.
The author does everything right. She builds suspense and tension. She writes beautifully. The characters are weird and memorable. There are plenty of surprises and strange reveals. Mo Hayder describes the two settings (Nanking before and during the 1936 Nanking massacre, in which the Japanese brutalized the Chinese civilians of the city) and contemporary Tokyo beautifully. The characters, settings, and events come to vivid life. The whole thing is memorably creepy. There's also plenty of erotic tension as Grey discovers her repressed sexuality.
Grey (it's her nickname, based on "Grey Alien", and the only name we know her by) comes to Tokyo seeking information about the Nanking Massacre, with which she is totally obsessed, for reasons we only understand towards the end of the book. She arrives in Japan penniless and jobless, and in the beginning sleeps in a public park.
In the park she meets Jason, who rents her a room in his house, and helps her get a job as a hostess in an upscale Tokyo club called "Some Like It Hot" because its Japanese owner, Mama Strawberry, is obsessed with Marilyn Monroe, dying her hair blonde and making every attempt to look like Marilyn.
A pair of Russian twins, Irina and Svetlana, also rent from Jason and work in the same club.
Grey seeks out Professor Shu Chongming, because he has the only known film footage of the Nanking Massacre. At first he refuses to work with Grey. Then, he makes a deal with Grey. He will show her the film if she can find out the longevity secret of the ancient, wheelchair bound, apparently gentle (and reputedly very dangerous) yakuza gangster who sometimes comes to "Some Like it Hot" with his creepy entourage, including a strangely masculine nurse with a reputation as a terrifying monster.
Shu Chongming is the second most important character, as he narrates the Nanking events.
Things devolve, and Grey, Jason, Irina, and Svetlana get into deeper and deeper waters, until disaster strikes.
The seemingly frail Grey, the main character, turns out to have more courage than we would have guessed.
No one is what they seem to be in this terrifying and creepy thriller.
The audiobook is well read by two of the best audio readers in the business. Simon Vance reads Shu Chongming's section (the Nanking events). Josephine Bailey reads Grey's sections. Both of them are pitch perfect.
It's a great read, but if you are easily triggered by descriptions of horrible acts, stay away.
March 13, 2020
The main narrative of this novel follows an English girl who arrives in Tokyo to visit an old Chinese academic about his time in Nanking, when the Japanese devastated the city. Having studied the atrocities for years, she is aware of rumours of worse, and wants to prove she didn't make it up.
Initially she is put off by him, and takes up work in a hostess bar to cover he costs in Tokyo. When he learns of this, the professor offers her a deal - his story for something he wants - from a Yakuza boss who she has met at her bar.
The second narrative of this book is the 1937 diary of the old man - Shi Chongming, which he is reading now for the first time in 53 years. It tells of his city of Nanking just before the arrival of the Japanese, then during the massacre.
It basically reads a chapter of each narrative, combining at the end as the protagonist learns the secrets. Along the way we also learn her history, and how she finds herself linked with the story.
This is a fast moving, easy to read suspense novel, with the basics of Nanking all based in researched scenarios. Even the basis for the 'situation' in the novel has some basis in fact, which the author describes in the Authors Note at the end of the book. Explaining that more would be a definite spoiler!
Solid 3/3 stars.
Initially she is put off by him, and takes up work in a hostess bar to cover he costs in Tokyo. When he learns of this, the professor offers her a deal - his story for something he wants - from a Yakuza boss who she has met at her bar.
The second narrative of this book is the 1937 diary of the old man - Shi Chongming, which he is reading now for the first time in 53 years. It tells of his city of Nanking just before the arrival of the Japanese, then during the massacre.
It basically reads a chapter of each narrative, combining at the end as the protagonist learns the secrets. Along the way we also learn her history, and how she finds herself linked with the story.
This is a fast moving, easy to read suspense novel, with the basics of Nanking all based in researched scenarios. Even the basis for the 'situation' in the novel has some basis in fact, which the author describes in the Authors Note at the end of the book. Explaining that more would be a definite spoiler!
Solid 3/3 stars.
July 24, 2024
Rooted in true events, this is a gut-wrenching novel about a subject it seems many of us didn't learn about in school. The event known colloquially as "the rape of Nanking", if you haven't heard of it, will move you to your core.
This groundbreaking novel tells the fictional story of a young English woman, Grey, who is attempting to track down a piece of film she has only heard about in rumors. Through her search, we are taken back and forth in time between present day and WWII China. In her dogged digging for answers, Grey puts herself in danger's way by taking a hostess position at a local club bar known for being frequented by Japan's notoriously-deadly gang, the Yakuza.
Absorbing and chilling, lovers of learning about history through fictional stories won't be able to put this one down.
---2024 UPDATE----
Still an important story, for the history of "the rape of Nanking/Nanjing". An atrocious, historical event during WWII that we must be aware of and not lose sight of. However, during this 2nd read, I just couldn't stomach the terrible backstory of our leading lady, who purposely chooses to have sex with 5 boys at once as a teen. And there's a whole page on masturbation. Perhaps the author wanted a flawed main character to make her seem more human and she uncovers this tale for us. Regardless, it's not necessary and completely nauseating. That said, if you can deal with that, it's must-know 20th Century history.
This groundbreaking novel tells the fictional story of a young English woman, Grey, who is attempting to track down a piece of film she has only heard about in rumors. Through her search, we are taken back and forth in time between present day and WWII China. In her dogged digging for answers, Grey puts herself in danger's way by taking a hostess position at a local club bar known for being frequented by Japan's notoriously-deadly gang, the Yakuza.
Absorbing and chilling, lovers of learning about history through fictional stories won't be able to put this one down.
---2024 UPDATE----
Still an important story, for the history of "the rape of Nanking/Nanjing". An atrocious, historical event during WWII that we must be aware of and not lose sight of. However, during this 2nd read, I just couldn't stomach the terrible backstory of our leading lady, who purposely chooses to have sex with 5 boys at once as a teen. And there's a whole page on masturbation. Perhaps the author wanted a flawed main character to make her seem more human and she uncovers this tale for us. Regardless, it's not necessary and completely nauseating. That said, if you can deal with that, it's must-know 20th Century history.
February 2, 2019
6+ rocket ship to the top of my all time favorite book list, stars.
If ever there were a book that i could describe as life-changing...it would be this one.
Is it for everyone? Absolutely not.
There are sections of this book that are brutal. That are intensely hard to read. And there are themes throughout the book that might be triggers for some people.
But, for me this was easily one of the most beautifully written books i have ever come across in my life. I literally ran out of my trusty small post its due to all the sections I marked.
I am still trying to process my thoughts after finishing this several hours ago, but i do hope at some point to be able to come back and write a proper review to try and express just how much this book effected me.
These characters and this story will stay with me for the rest of my life. And i feel fortunate to have decided to take a chance on a book so far outside my comfort zone.
If ever there were a book that i could describe as life-changing...it would be this one.
Is it for everyone? Absolutely not.
There are sections of this book that are brutal. That are intensely hard to read. And there are themes throughout the book that might be triggers for some people.
But, for me this was easily one of the most beautifully written books i have ever come across in my life. I literally ran out of my trusty small post its due to all the sections I marked.
I am still trying to process my thoughts after finishing this several hours ago, but i do hope at some point to be able to come back and write a proper review to try and express just how much this book effected me.
These characters and this story will stay with me for the rest of my life. And i feel fortunate to have decided to take a chance on a book so far outside my comfort zone.
June 16, 2019
UPDATE 16/06/19
4/5
Rợn cả người thiệt sự.
Nghe "giang hồ" đồn đại Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh hay lắm, người người đòi tái bản nhà nhà đòi tái bản nhưng cho đến hôm nay, tớ mới được diện kiến em nó một cách chính thức. Quả như tiếng lành đồn xa bạn bè đồn gần, Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh thực sự là một câu chuyện hấp dẫn, là một page turner đúng kiểu mà tớ đã đọc lèo hết chỉ trong có vài tiếng đồng hồ thôi.
Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh được lấy bối cảnh khi quân Đế quốc Nhật Bản chiếm đóng Trung Quốc trong đệ nhị Thế Chiến. Tớ hơi thắc mắc khi cuốn này Nhã Nam để tag trinh thám, nhưng mà không hẳn đâu, Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh mang màu sắc chiến tranh và hơn cả, nghiêng về thể loại kinh dị ít nhiều.
Trong câu chuyện này, chúng ta cùng theo chân Grey - một cô sinh viên người Anh - vét hết tất cả tiền bạc của mình để lặn lội bay sang Tokyo với mục đích duy nhất đã ám ảnh cô suốt từ thời còn trẻ, đó là tìm ra sự thật đằng sau bí ẩn gây ra nhiều tranh cãi về cuộc thảm sát đẫm máu ở Nam Kinh năm nào. Và đặc biệt, là lần tìm ra chân tướng của tên "Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh".
Nhờ sự giúp đỡ của Sử Trùng Minh - một nhà xã hội học Trung Quốc cũng là nhân chứng duy nhất còn giữ chiến băng ghi hình thời bạo loạn - Grey đã dần dần dấn thân vào cuộc phiêu lưu đầy cám dỗ và hiểm nguy. Khi sự thật về tên Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh không chỉ là điều duy nhất được phơi bày ra ánh sáng mà trên hết, còn là nỗi đau, nỗi ám ảnh, là máu, là nước mắt và cả là sự ân hận về bóng ma quá khứ mà cả Grey lẫn Sử Trùng Minh dường như chôn chặt trong lòng.
Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh được kể song song hai mạch thời gian, một đằng chúng ta được theo dõi câu chuyện qua lăng kính của cô sinh viên người Anh và mặt khác, chúng ta được quay về những năm tháng chiến tranh qua nhật ký ghi chép của Sử Trùng Minh. Cách kể đan xen hai dòng thời gian một quá khứ một hiện tại này giúp người đọc có thể hình dung ra, hiểu một cách thấu đáo hơn về hai nhân vật chính cũng như những câu chuyện riêng, những nỗi ai oán riêng của mỗi người. Diễn biến câu chuyện khá chậm, cho đến nửa cuối thì bắt đầu tăng tốc, kéo hẳn người đọc vào những pha hồi hộp kịch tính không ngờ, kêu gào một câu trả lời thỏa đáng cho chuỗi bi kịch lạ thường đằng sau vụ thảm sát Nam Kinh.
Trong chiến tranh loạn lạc, cái đáng sợ không dừng lại ở việc bom đạn đói nghèo mà còn là ở những con người đã lợi dụng thời gian tai ương đấy để âm thầm đi tìm quyền lực, khát khao có được thứ quyền lực ma mị, sùng bái thức quyền lực vô hình ấy ngang bậc Chúa trời. Và họ quyết tâm tìm cho ra thứ quyền lực ấy dù có phải đánh đổi bằng mọi thứ, kể cả mạng sống của hàng ngàn người vô tội. Cũng như tên Quốc xã Johann Schmidt trong Captain America: The First Avengers lặn lội khắp mọi nơi để truy tìm khối Tesseract hay Voldemort trong Harry Potter đã không ngần ngại xé toang linh hồn của hắn để bảo tồn tính mạng truy tìm Bảo bối Tử thần, hai kẻ ấy đều là những con người khao khát có được quyền lực mà sẵn sàng dùng mọi thủ đoạn để có được nó. Trong Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh cũng tồn tại một kẻ như vậy, chỉ vì sức mạnh đồn thổi của thứ quyền lực vô hình ấy mà đã gieo rắc biết bao tai họa, thảm sát biết bao nhiêu người, gây ra biết bao nhiêu tội ác, khiến cả đất nước Trung Hoa khi ấy chìm trong biển máu. Ác quỷ suy cho cùng chẳng phải thứ siêu nhiên gì, mà đôi khi ác quỷ lại chính là con người.
Cách Mo Hayder xây dựng và khắc họa hai nhân vật chính khá ổn cũng như cách mà tác giả đã hé lộ bức màn chân tướng của sự việc một cách từ tốn. Điều tớ đánh giá cao đó là Mo Hayder đã thực sự khơi dậy được trí tò mò của người đọc, khiến họ một khi đã sa vào thì khó lòng có thể đặt cuốn sách này xuống. Những pha kịch tính và hồi hộp cũng được xen kẽ vô mạch truyện hợp lí, đọc mà thấy rờn rợn là thành công rồi đó. Đặc biệt là những ghi chép và câu chuyện của Sử Trùng Minh rất xuất sắc và thật sự không thể nào dứt ra nổi. Tuy nhiên, có lẽ do đã đọc kha khá tác phẩm liên quan đến chiến tranh nên tớ đã trông chờ vào một sự bùng nổ của Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh nhưng hơi đáng tiếc một chút là không hẳn được như kỳ vọng của tớ. Nhất là ở những chi tiết miêu tả những tội ác hay những trận chiến, những bạo lực trong chiến tranh thì ở cuốn này, với tớ là chưa lột tả được hết mà chỉ tập trung phần nhiều vào câu chuyện của Grey và Sử Trùng Minh. Và đôi khi, cảm giác những sự việc xảy đến hay phải-xảy-đến với Grey nó hơi bị đơn giản quá chứ không mang tính quá là thử thách. Cốt truyện rất hay, nhân vật được khắc họa ổn nhưng nhiều khi trong quá trình đọc tớ cứ thấy bị thiếu hụt một chút gia vị trong đó nên mặc dù ổn, vẫn chưa thể đạt tới độ hoàn hảo được. Nhưng dù gì cũng không thể không thừa nhận rằng Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh là một tác phẩm đáng đọc và cực kỳ cuốn hút.
Khá dễ tính nên tạm thời không phàn nàn đến vấn đề dịch, bìa đẹp và chanh xả hơn hẳn bìa cũ là một điểm cộng. Highly recommend cho những bạn nào đang nhắm tới historical fiction đan xen một chút yếu tố kinh dị nhé, mà nói là kinh dị thôi, đọc cũng rợn đấy nhưng không quá đáng sợ đâu.
4/5
Rợn cả người thiệt sự.
Nghe "giang hồ" đồn đại Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh hay lắm, người người đòi tái bản nhà nhà đòi tái bản nhưng cho đến hôm nay, tớ mới được diện kiến em nó một cách chính thức. Quả như tiếng lành đồn xa bạn bè đồn gần, Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh thực sự là một câu chuyện hấp dẫn, là một page turner đúng kiểu mà tớ đã đọc lèo hết chỉ trong có vài tiếng đồng hồ thôi.
Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh được lấy bối cảnh khi quân Đế quốc Nhật Bản chiếm đóng Trung Quốc trong đệ nhị Thế Chiến. Tớ hơi thắc mắc khi cuốn này Nhã Nam để tag trinh thám, nhưng mà không hẳn đâu, Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh mang màu sắc chiến tranh và hơn cả, nghiêng về thể loại kinh dị ít nhiều.
Trong câu chuyện này, chúng ta cùng theo chân Grey - một cô sinh viên người Anh - vét hết tất cả tiền bạc của mình để lặn lội bay sang Tokyo với mục đích duy nhất đã ám ảnh cô suốt từ thời còn trẻ, đó là tìm ra sự thật đằng sau bí ẩn gây ra nhiều tranh cãi về cuộc thảm sát đẫm máu ở Nam Kinh năm nào. Và đặc biệt, là lần tìm ra chân tướng của tên "Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh".
Nhờ sự giúp đỡ của Sử Trùng Minh - một nhà xã hội học Trung Quốc cũng là nhân chứng duy nhất còn giữ chiến băng ghi hình thời bạo loạn - Grey đã dần dần dấn thân vào cuộc phiêu lưu đầy cám dỗ và hiểm nguy. Khi sự thật về tên Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh không chỉ là điều duy nhất được phơi bày ra ánh sáng mà trên hết, còn là nỗi đau, nỗi ám ảnh, là máu, là nước mắt và cả là sự ân hận về bóng ma quá khứ mà cả Grey lẫn Sử Trùng Minh dường như chôn chặt trong lòng.
Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh được kể song song hai mạch thời gian, một đằng chúng ta được theo dõi câu chuyện qua lăng kính của cô sinh viên người Anh và mặt khác, chúng ta được quay về những năm tháng chiến tranh qua nhật ký ghi chép của Sử Trùng Minh. Cách kể đan xen hai dòng thời gian một quá khứ một hiện tại này giúp người đọc có thể hình dung ra, hiểu một cách thấu đáo hơn về hai nhân vật chính cũng như những câu chuyện riêng, những nỗi ai oán riêng của mỗi người. Diễn biến câu chuyện khá chậm, cho đến nửa cuối thì bắt đầu tăng tốc, kéo hẳn người đọc vào những pha hồi hộp kịch tính không ngờ, kêu gào một câu trả lời thỏa đáng cho chuỗi bi kịch lạ thường đằng sau vụ thảm sát Nam Kinh.
Trong chiến tranh loạn lạc, cái đáng sợ không dừng lại ở việc bom đạn đói nghèo mà còn là ở những con người đã lợi dụng thời gian tai ương đấy để âm thầm đi tìm quyền lực, khát khao có được thứ quyền lực ma mị, sùng bái thức quyền lực vô hình ấy ngang bậc Chúa trời. Và họ quyết tâm tìm cho ra thứ quyền lực ấy dù có phải đánh đổi bằng mọi thứ, kể cả mạng sống của hàng ngàn người vô tội. Cũng như tên Quốc xã Johann Schmidt trong Captain America: The First Avengers lặn lội khắp mọi nơi để truy tìm khối Tesseract hay Voldemort trong Harry Potter đã không ngần ngại xé toang linh hồn của hắn để bảo tồn tính mạng truy tìm Bảo bối Tử thần, hai kẻ ấy đều là những con người khao khát có được quyền lực mà sẵn sàng dùng mọi thủ đoạn để có được nó. Trong Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh cũng tồn tại một kẻ như vậy, chỉ vì sức mạnh đồn thổi của thứ quyền lực vô hình ấy mà đã gieo rắc biết bao tai họa, thảm sát biết bao nhiêu người, gây ra biết bao nhiêu tội ác, khiến cả đất nước Trung Hoa khi ấy chìm trong biển máu. Ác quỷ suy cho cùng chẳng phải thứ siêu nhiên gì, mà đôi khi ác quỷ lại chính là con người.
Cách Mo Hayder xây dựng và khắc họa hai nhân vật chính khá ổn cũng như cách mà tác giả đã hé lộ bức màn chân tướng của sự việc một cách từ tốn. Điều tớ đánh giá cao đó là Mo Hayder đã thực sự khơi dậy được trí tò mò của người đọc, khiến họ một khi đã sa vào thì khó lòng có thể đặt cuốn sách này xuống. Những pha kịch tính và hồi hộp cũng được xen kẽ vô mạch truyện hợp lí, đọc mà thấy rờn rợn là thành công rồi đó. Đặc biệt là những ghi chép và câu chuyện của Sử Trùng Minh rất xuất sắc và thật sự không thể nào dứt ra nổi. Tuy nhiên, có lẽ do đã đọc kha khá tác phẩm liên quan đến chiến tranh nên tớ đã trông chờ vào một sự bùng nổ của Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh nhưng hơi đáng tiếc một chút là không hẳn được như kỳ vọng của tớ. Nhất là ở những chi tiết miêu tả những tội ác hay những trận chiến, những bạo lực trong chiến tranh thì ở cuốn này, với tớ là chưa lột tả được hết mà chỉ tập trung phần nhiều vào câu chuyện của Grey và Sử Trùng Minh. Và đôi khi, cảm giác những sự việc xảy đến hay phải-xảy-đến với Grey nó hơi bị đơn giản quá chứ không mang tính quá là thử thách. Cốt truyện rất hay, nhân vật được khắc họa ổn nhưng nhiều khi trong quá trình đọc tớ cứ thấy bị thiếu hụt một chút gia vị trong đó nên mặc dù ổn, vẫn chưa thể đạt tới độ hoàn hảo được. Nhưng dù gì cũng không thể không thừa nhận rằng Ác Quỷ Nam Kinh là một tác phẩm đáng đọc và cực kỳ cuốn hút.
Khá dễ tính nên tạm thời không phàn nàn đến vấn đề dịch, bìa đẹp và chanh xả hơn hẳn bìa cũ là một điểm cộng. Highly recommend cho những bạn nào đang nhắm tới historical fiction đan xen một chút yếu tố kinh dị nhé, mà nói là kinh dị thôi, đọc cũng rợn đấy nhưng không quá đáng sợ đâu.
December 21, 2012
I read this over the past few nights and have decided that it’s one of the more haunting, unforgettable books I’ve read recently. A young woman named Grey is institutionalized after she becomes obsessed with the Nanking massacre. As a young child, she found a book in her home that had a reference to a obscure film recording of a particular atrocity that occurred during the massacre and refuses to let it go. She travels to Tokyo to meet a professor, a survivor of the massacre, who she believes knows about the film and can help her bring closure to years of madness and obsession. In exchange for information about the film, the professor asks her to infiltrate a local Yakuza gang leader’s home and procure something valuable to him using her cover as a hostess at a popular Tokyo club.
The book is incredibly disturbing—it’s exceptionally dark and occasionally so gory that I had difficulty reading. The author, Mo Hayder, has clearly put a lot of research into the professor’s “flashback” diary entries, which chronicle his experiences during the massacre. It was occasionally suspenseful enough that I could feel my heart racing. Making characters very mysterious and enigmatic can be a crapshoot—either the reader will continue to read because they feel compelled to find out more or they become distanced from the story because the characters are too closed off. Hayder struck a great balance here—I liked that the characters were secretive but also appreciated that I remained involved in the story and determined to find out how the book would end.
The thing that makes this novel so haunting and so difficult to read is that much of what Hayder describes in the Nanking flashback sections are either real life events or events closely mirroring documented atrocities. That knowledge—that this fictionalized story could be real—makes the gore more difficult to read about and the deaths more heartbreaking when they’re described. I’d suggest doing a little bit of research about the events in Nanking before reading this book since it adds a lot of context and brings a new gravitas to various parts of the story. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it is a well-crafted, suspenseful thriller based on horrific real life events and worth a read.
The book is incredibly disturbing—it’s exceptionally dark and occasionally so gory that I had difficulty reading. The author, Mo Hayder, has clearly put a lot of research into the professor’s “flashback” diary entries, which chronicle his experiences during the massacre. It was occasionally suspenseful enough that I could feel my heart racing. Making characters very mysterious and enigmatic can be a crapshoot—either the reader will continue to read because they feel compelled to find out more or they become distanced from the story because the characters are too closed off. Hayder struck a great balance here—I liked that the characters were secretive but also appreciated that I remained involved in the story and determined to find out how the book would end.
The thing that makes this novel so haunting and so difficult to read is that much of what Hayder describes in the Nanking flashback sections are either real life events or events closely mirroring documented atrocities. That knowledge—that this fictionalized story could be real—makes the gore more difficult to read about and the deaths more heartbreaking when they’re described. I’d suggest doing a little bit of research about the events in Nanking before reading this book since it adds a lot of context and brings a new gravitas to various parts of the story. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it is a well-crafted, suspenseful thriller based on horrific real life events and worth a read.
April 1, 2022
Update: 1/4/2022
Tự vả cực mạnh =)))
Đọc lần 2 bánh cuốn không dừng được, chả thấy sự chán nản, dài dòng của lần đọc đầu ở đâu.
2021
Tuy được Nhã Nam gắn mác Trinh thám - Kinh dị, nhưng theo mình, cuốn sách này nghiêng về thể loại Historical fiction hơn. Được lấy bối cảnh vào cuộc chiến tranh Trung - Nhật năm 1937, đặc biệt là cuộc thảm sát ở Nam Kinh, Mo Hayder muốn vạch trần tội ác khủng khiếp của quân dội Nhật trong Thế chiến thứ II.
Mình khá thích phần mấu chốt mà tác giả muốn khai thác. Đó là cuộn băng ghi lại những sự thật kinh hãi mà ai cũng coi những sự kiện xảy ra ở đó chỉ là những tưởng tượng bệnh hoạn không có thật.
Ngoài ra, sách còn đặt ra một vấn đề: Chúng ta nên nuôi dạy con cái như thế nào? Có phải để chúng tránh xa những thứ mà cha mẹ coi là "xấu xa" là tốt và có thể bảo vệ được con?
Thật ra, cuốn sách không có quá nhiều cảnh máu me, kinh dị, nhưng chính mạch truyện chậm chậm, từ từ và những ám ảnh tâm lý mới khiến nó nổi bật.
Tuy nhiên, cuốn sách khiến mình khá hụt hẫng, vì nó chưa khơi dậy được sự ám ảnh hay sợ hãi đối vói mình. Giọng kể của tác giả nhiều lúc mình còn thấy dài dòng và nhiều chi tiết thừa thãi, không đi đúng trọng tâm câu chuyện, mình chỉ muốn đọc lướt cho xong.
Mình thích phần sau của câu chuyện hơn, khi sự thật đã được phơi bày, có sự xuất hiện của 1 cú twist (tuy mình không bất ngờ với nó lắm). Có lẽ, đó là lý do mình cho nó lên 3 sao thay vì chỉ 2,5 sao :)))
Tự vả cực mạnh =)))
Đọc lần 2 bánh cuốn không dừng được, chả thấy sự chán nản, dài dòng của lần đọc đầu ở đâu.
2021
Tuy được Nhã Nam gắn mác Trinh thám - Kinh dị, nhưng theo mình, cuốn sách này nghiêng về thể loại Historical fiction hơn. Được lấy bối cảnh vào cuộc chiến tranh Trung - Nhật năm 1937, đặc biệt là cuộc thảm sát ở Nam Kinh, Mo Hayder muốn vạch trần tội ác khủng khiếp của quân dội Nhật trong Thế chiến thứ II.
Mình khá thích phần mấu chốt mà tác giả muốn khai thác. Đó là cuộn băng ghi lại những sự thật kinh hãi mà ai cũng coi những sự kiện xảy ra ở đó chỉ là những tưởng tượng bệnh hoạn không có thật.
Ngoài ra, sách còn đặt ra một vấn đề: Chúng ta nên nuôi dạy con cái như thế nào? Có phải để chúng tránh xa những thứ mà cha mẹ coi là "xấu xa" là tốt và có thể bảo vệ được con?
Thật ra, cuốn sách không có quá nhiều cảnh máu me, kinh dị, nhưng chính mạch truyện chậm chậm, từ từ và những ám ảnh tâm lý mới khiến nó nổi bật.
Tuy nhiên, cuốn sách khiến mình khá hụt hẫng, vì nó chưa khơi dậy được sự ám ảnh hay sợ hãi đối vói mình. Giọng kể của tác giả nhiều lúc mình còn thấy dài dòng và nhiều chi tiết thừa thãi, không đi đúng trọng tâm câu chuyện, mình chỉ muốn đọc lướt cho xong.
Mình thích phần sau của câu chuyện hơn, khi sự thật đã được phơi bày, có sự xuất hiện của 1 cú twist (tuy mình không bất ngờ với nó lắm). Có lẽ, đó là lý do mình cho nó lên 3 sao thay vì chỉ 2,5 sao :)))
May 14, 2016
This book can only be defined as a masterpiece. It is such a complex and thought provoking book, finishing on one of the most heart-wrenching and distressing endings I have ever experienced.
July 31, 2017
3,5
Μια πολύ αγαπημένη μου booktuber είχε εκθειάσει το Τόκυο της Mo Hayder για αυτό και εγώ έτρεξα αμέσως να το αγοράσω, αν μη τι άλλο σκέφτηκα θα μου αρέσει.. Έκανα λάθος τις πρώτες τρεις φορές που το έπιασα στα χέρια μου, δεν κατάφερα να δεθώ με την ιστορία. Την τέταρτη όμως βούτηξα στα βαθειά νερά της και για ακόμα μια φορά πρέπει να αποδεχτώ πως για όλα τα βιβλία υπάρχει η κατάλληλη ώρα.
Για την σφαγή της Νανκιν δεν ήξερα τίποτα. Εδώ δεν γνωρίζω καλά την Ελληνική ιστορία, σιγά μην ήξερα την Κινέζικη. Όταν τελείωσε το βίντεο της booktuber από την οποία γνώρισα το βιβλίο, έτρεξα κατευθείαν να βρω πληροφορίες. Έμεινα άναυδη με αυτά που ανακάλυψα, ο άνθρωπος μερικές φορές χάνει τελείως την ανθρωπιά του, ειδικά όταν θεωρεί κατάλληλες τις συνθήκες! Η συγγραφέας ήθελε να φέρει στο φως αυτό το κομμάτι της ιστορίας που το τυλίγει ένα κάποιο μυστήριο – τα ντοκουμέντα για την σφαγή κάηκαν, δεν έχουν συμφωνήσει για τον αριθμό των θυμάτων κτλ – μέσα από μια ιστορία με έντονα τα στοιχεία του τρόμου και του μυστηρίου.
Οι κεντρικοί ήρωες είναι δύο. Η Γκρέι μια νεαρή Αγγλίδα στην δεκαετία του ’90 που έχει πάει στην Ιαπωνία με σκοπό να βρει έναν Κινέζο καθηγητή και να του ζητήσει να της μιλήσει για τα γεγονότα της σφαγής αλλά και να της δείξει το μοναδικό βίντεο που υπάρχει και που μέσα στα καρέ του είναι αποτυπωμένο ένα από τα χειρότερα μαρτύρια των Ιαπώνων στρατιωτών αλλά και ο Shi Chongming ο κινέζος καθηγητής που μας εξιστορεί μέσα από το ημερολόγιο του την ίδια την σφαγή το 1937. Τους συμπάθησα και τους δυο, παρόλα τα ελαττώματα τους καταφέρνουν να μένουν ανθρώπινοι, ευαίσθητοι και φυσικά ενδιαφέροντες. Θες να μάθεις τι θα τους συμβεί, τι ρόλο θα παίξουν στο τέλος και αγωνιείς για την μοίρα τους.
Όσο αφορά την ιστορία κάθε αυτού, κατά την διάρκεια της ανάγνωσης νιώθεις το υποβόσκον μυστήριο να πάλλεται συνεχώς. Θες να μάθεις τι μπορεί να είναι πια αυτό το μαρτύριο αλλά παράλληλα θες να δεις και τι θα συμβεί σε όλους τους χαρακτήρες, όχι μόνο στους δυο κύριους. Σιγά-σιγά η συγγραφέας μας αποκαλύπτει μερικά στοιχεία για το παρελθόν των ηρώων μας· τα προβλήματα τους, την ψυχή τους. Οι σελίδες είναι γεμάτες με ένα περίεργο feeling, στο μυαλό μου ήταν σκοτεινές, έκρυβαν σε κάθε γύρισμα της σελίδας την αδημονία της λύσης..
Μου άρεσε, δεν το αγάπησα. Το διάβασα μονορούφι, χάθηκα στην ιστορία και η λύση του «μυστηρίου» ήταν αρκετά ανατριχιαστική. Μέχρι εκεί όμως, δεν θα το έβαζα στα αγαπημένα μου αλλά σίγουρα θα το πρότεινα!
Μια πολύ αγαπημένη μου booktuber είχε εκθειάσει το Τόκυο της Mo Hayder για αυτό και εγώ έτρεξα αμέσως να το αγοράσω, αν μη τι άλλο σκέφτηκα θα μου αρέσει.. Έκανα λάθος τις πρώτες τρεις φορές που το έπιασα στα χέρια μου, δεν κατάφερα να δεθώ με την ιστορία. Την τέταρτη όμως βούτηξα στα βαθειά νερά της και για ακόμα μια φορά πρέπει να αποδεχτώ πως για όλα τα βιβλία υπάρχει η κατάλληλη ώρα.
Για την σφαγή της Νανκιν δεν ήξερα τίποτα. Εδώ δεν γνωρίζω καλά την Ελληνική ιστορία, σιγά μην ήξερα την Κινέζικη. Όταν τελείωσε το βίντεο της booktuber από την οποία γνώρισα το βιβλίο, έτρεξα κατευθείαν να βρω πληροφορίες. Έμεινα άναυδη με αυτά που ανακάλυψα, ο άνθρωπος μερικές φορές χάνει τελείως την ανθρωπιά του, ειδικά όταν θεωρεί κατάλληλες τις συνθήκες! Η συγγραφέας ήθελε να φέρει στο φως αυτό το κομμάτι της ιστορίας που το τυλίγει ένα κάποιο μυστήριο – τα ντοκουμέντα για την σφαγή κάηκαν, δεν έχουν συμφωνήσει για τον αριθμό των θυμάτων κτλ – μέσα από μια ιστορία με έντονα τα στοιχεία του τρόμου και του μυστηρίου.
Οι κεντρικοί ήρωες είναι δύο. Η Γκρέι μια νεαρή Αγγλίδα στην δεκαετία του ’90 που έχει πάει στην Ιαπωνία με σκοπό να βρει έναν Κινέζο καθηγητή και να του ζητήσει να της μιλήσει για τα γεγονότα της σφαγής αλλά και να της δείξει το μοναδικό βίντεο που υπάρχει και που μέσα στα καρέ του είναι αποτυπωμένο ένα από τα χειρότερα μαρτύρια των Ιαπώνων στρατιωτών αλλά και ο Shi Chongming ο κινέζος καθηγητής που μας εξιστορεί μέσα από το ημερολόγιο του την ίδια την σφαγή το 1937. Τους συμπάθησα και τους δυο, παρόλα τα ελαττώματα τους καταφέρνουν να μένουν ανθρώπινοι, ευαίσθητοι και φυσικά ενδιαφέροντες. Θες να μάθεις τι θα τους συμβεί, τι ρόλο θα παίξουν στο τέλος και αγωνιείς για την μοίρα τους.
Όσο αφορά την ιστορία κάθε αυτού, κατά την διάρκεια της ανάγνωσης νιώθεις το υποβόσκον μυστήριο να πάλλεται συνεχώς. Θες να μάθεις τι μπορεί να είναι πια αυτό το μαρτύριο αλλά παράλληλα θες να δεις και τι θα συμβεί σε όλους τους χαρακτήρες, όχι μόνο στους δυο κύριους. Σιγά-σιγά η συγγραφέας μας αποκαλύπτει μερικά στοιχεία για το παρελθόν των ηρώων μας· τα προβλήματα τους, την ψυχή τους. Οι σελίδες είναι γεμάτες με ένα περίεργο feeling, στο μυαλό μου ήταν σκοτεινές, έκρυβαν σε κάθε γύρισμα της σελίδας την αδημονία της λύσης..
Μου άρεσε, δεν το αγάπησα. Το διάβασα μονορούφι, χάθηκα στην ιστορία και η λύση του «μυστηρίου» ήταν αρκετά ανατριχιαστική. Μέχρι εκεί όμως, δεν θα το έβαζα στα αγαπημένα μου αλλά σίγουρα θα το πρότεινα!
April 11, 2017
This book did not carry the fast paced, hardcore punch that I have found in other Hayder novels but its historical relevance gave it a power all its own.
I believe this story carried even more weight for me because I have just recently read Iris Chang's 'The Rape of Nanking', a true story of the atrocities committed by the Japanese in their invasion of China in the 1930's. Of all the accounts of the horrors of war I have ever read, the story of Japan's treatment of the Chinese people during their war is the worst I have ever read.
Mo Hayder takes us through a modern day mystery thriller which involves bringing up the horrible past of Nanking. Her dual telling of the contemporary with the past is a sad, thrilling and mesmerizing ride through Japans criminal underbelly that will entertain and leave a lump in your throat at the same time.
If you decide to read this novel I would recommend 'The Rape of Nanking' first.
June 21, 2017
"Tóquio” é um livro que me manteve em permanente angústia durante toda a leitura.
É baseado num episódio da história da humanidade – o massacre e tortura de milhares de chineses, pelo exército imperial japonês, durante a invasão da cidade de Nanquim, em 1937.
A acção desenrola-se, capítulo a capítulo, entre a cidade chinesa e Tóquio 50 depois, onde encontramos Grey, uma jovem inglesa, que procura um filme que relata um episódio do massacre.
É um livro muito bem escrito e muito complexo, que expõe o lado mais negro do ser humano, até dos inocentes.
O final é inesperado e avassalador. Não é fácil de ler. Até porque fala de amor: “...sempre foi para mim claro que o coração humano se vira do avesso para pertencer a alguém, que tenta aproximar-se do primeiro e mais próximo afecto...”
É baseado num episódio da história da humanidade – o massacre e tortura de milhares de chineses, pelo exército imperial japonês, durante a invasão da cidade de Nanquim, em 1937.
A acção desenrola-se, capítulo a capítulo, entre a cidade chinesa e Tóquio 50 depois, onde encontramos Grey, uma jovem inglesa, que procura um filme que relata um episódio do massacre.
É um livro muito bem escrito e muito complexo, que expõe o lado mais negro do ser humano, até dos inocentes.
O final é inesperado e avassalador. Não é fácil de ler. Até porque fala de amor: “...sempre foi para mim claro que o coração humano se vira do avesso para pertencer a alguém, que tenta aproximar-se do primeiro e mais próximo afecto...”
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