12/20/2014 - 3:27 PM - GMT +8
By: Seth Legaspi
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| Front Cover |
With the second installment in the Zaregoto series, which I fervently hope will completely get an english localization soon, I's life is given a closer look, and Nisio Isin adds more detail and color to this world that he's created.
To start with, Kubishime （首絞め）literally means to 'strangle the neck' (thanks to Google Translate). With the book's sub-title, the theme for the murders in the book would, of course be strangulation, and it would all have something to do with a romanticist, or in my opinion after reading the book, a sentimentalist.
Now, whenever I read mystery novels, I really love it when it surprises me with something different, and this book really took that cake. I won't go into detail on what to expect in the plot since Wikipedia's sort of got that one in the bag already, though I guess I'll just point out that this is obviously a continuation from the first book, and despite being a continuation, it has a plot that is autonomous. Which means that this volume can be taken in as itself, and it won't break the story whatsoever.
Going on from what I love about it, I need to say that I greatly appreciate the main character. Yes, the main character in this volume surprised me, especially at the epilogue portion; the portion where the answer is given in most Mystery Stories. (Damn, "I" was really cool) Again that naming sense! It's brilliant! I mean, just look at what I inadvertently wrote there!
Going on from what I love about it, I need to say that I greatly appreciate the main character. Yes, the main character in this volume surprised me, especially at the epilogue portion; the portion where the answer is given in most Mystery Stories. (Damn, "I" was really cool) Again that naming sense! It's brilliant! I mean, just look at what I inadvertently wrote there!
This second book, of course, contains a lot of philosophy that I believe is an essential part of the author's unique style. Heck, it debated on what a 'kill' is; 'Something that makes one dead, or something that makes one unable to continue living their lives.' (I tried to rephrase an interaction between two character's here, which should sort of give a description of Nisio Isin's style)
Continuing ahead with a comparison, I'd say it felt like one of those filler episodes in certain tv series, but with the addition of really important story, and world-building elements that if missed, may make the story a bit more confusing in next episodes. Adding to this 'filler' feeling; I observed that not much thought was given to the events of the previous book, which I believe added to the independence of this volume plot-wise and can either be a good or bad thing, depending on what the target with this volume was.
Even with the 'filler-like' aura emanating from this book's plot, it was still a really good read. I can honestly state that I lost myself reading this book, and later on found the sky to be dark outside my window.
I recommend this book for Mystery-Genre fans, and those with interests in Nisio Isin's works. If you're not one of them, I won't fully recommend it, but I'd still say that reading it can make one see the world in a different light. It's also a really good book to use to introduce one's self to the mystery genre, or Nisio Isin's works in general.
Unfortunately, as of the posting of this article, Zaregoto still hasn't been localized in English from the third volume onwards, nevertheless, learning a new language is always good! ( ﾟｏ⌒)
Continuing ahead with a comparison, I'd say it felt like one of those filler episodes in certain tv series, but with the addition of really important story, and world-building elements that if missed, may make the story a bit more confusing in next episodes. Adding to this 'filler' feeling; I observed that not much thought was given to the events of the previous book, which I believe added to the independence of this volume plot-wise and can either be a good or bad thing, depending on what the target with this volume was.
Even with the 'filler-like' aura emanating from this book's plot, it was still a really good read. I can honestly state that I lost myself reading this book, and later on found the sky to be dark outside my window.
I recommend this book for Mystery-Genre fans, and those with interests in Nisio Isin's works. If you're not one of them, I won't fully recommend it, but I'd still say that reading it can make one see the world in a different light. It's also a really good book to use to introduce one's self to the mystery genre, or Nisio Isin's works in general.
Unfortunately, as of the posting of this article, Zaregoto still hasn't been localized in English from the third volume onwards, nevertheless, learning a new language is always good! ( ﾟｏ⌒)
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