Out by Natsuo Kirino
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a bestseller in Japan a number of years ago, and came to the US shortly afterwards. It was only recently released on audio on Audible.
Phenomenally perverse, and at times downright disgusting, Out deals with some very heavy issues which I could see not going over well with a lot of people. I generally have a high tolerance for unnerving topics but some of the content in here regularly made me squirm.
That being said, the writing is just absolutely first-rate. The pacing, character development, plot, and suspense are all there — which is very rare.
This book was truly moving, and held my attention from start to finish. I also think, although it may not seem so at first, this novel is really a wonderful argument for feminism and it’s role as a popular title in Japan was/is undeniably important.
photo credit: aotaro Abandoned Physalis Alkekengi via photopin (license)
MERKL 