A slight variation in flavour, but delicious nonetheless

Japanese work translated to English is a whole new trip every time. I've read roughly 7.5 such novels (currently working through the 0.5), and it has been an experience. 

 

Although it's just been two authors, the treatment of the subject is entirely different to what I'm used to with those originally written in English. Or even Nordic Noir. 

 

There is a bigger focus on the setting, the culture, and on introspection on the part of the characters, compared to all-out action. Personally, I take more time to read these novels than I do with fast-paced action/mystery-focused English works. On the other hand, Nordic Noir, for me, seems to be almost on the other side of the spectrum, with violence and gore being the protagonists. The setting and ambience come a close second. 

 

I feel like, of most of the Nordic Noir I've read, the stories lean towards an overarching storyline with some aspects always remaining to be continued. It doesn't take anything away from the final product, though.

 

For someone who grew up with Enid Blyton, Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, before graduating to PD James, and discovering Edgar Allen Poe rather late in life, both Japanese crime fiction and Nordic Noir offer experiences out of the tried and tested "mystery found-sleuths solve" trope. In fact, PD James does go a lot into the private life of her detective, and I had a huge crush on Adam Dalgliesh — I mean, he's a detective and a poet. Be still, my heart!

 

But the Japanese crime fiction I have read so far has made me a spectator — I'm more invested in what has happened than in the detective. It has its own charm. But it kind of slows down the reading. I started with the latest book in December. I'm still reading it. For me, I think, this allows for distractions unlike stories where the action and/or unravelling won't give me time to breathe.

 

However, when all is said and done, I will continue to pursue translations since they offer new ways of approaching my favourite genre. Rather, the ONLY genre I think I read. Who doesn't like new ways to devour one's favourite ingredients?

 

Here's the sadly short list of what I've read so far.

Author: Keigo Higashino

Works I've read: The Devotion of Suspect X, Salvation of a Saint, a Midsummer's Equation, Silent Parade, Malice, Newcomer, Journey Under the Midnight Sun

 

Author: Hideo Yokoyama

Currently reading: Six Four

 

I've read more Nordic Noir than this, including Lars Kepler's Joona Linna series, and Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole books (and also his adaptation of Macbeth, titled 'Macbeth', which was a treat. To be honest, Macbeth in any form — be it book or film — is a treat). But that's a story for another day.