More specifically, the unfairĬontemporary Japan, along with the majority of Asian, Recurring themes, no more so than genderisation. Natsuo Kirino’s psychological thriller deals with many The group all work the nightshift at a bentō lunch factory, standing on the production line for several hours at a time, doing mindless tasks over and over. As I say, this is an interesting take, but unfortunately, her character is a little one-dimensional. Will struggle to make ends meet as long as she looks good and drives a fancyĬar, and Yoshie, a slightly naïve worker wanting to help out a friend.Īlthough her character isn’t as well developed as the others, she’s here to represent the increasing beauty standards within Japan, and the malevolent role that ageism plays within its society. Strangles with a belt, however, it’s Masako, the ring-leader of the group thatĭrives the main plot, with her decisions controlling what the group do next.Īlongside her is Yoshie, who is likewise suffering from her own family’sĪlso lending a helping hand is Kuniko, the vain, self-absorbed woman who Bentō BoxesĪfter prolonged exposure to physical abuse by her husband, who she then Sure, I cared about (most) of the characters, and the potential forĭrama is enormous, but I never felt utterly claustrophobic in the murder, In contrast, the perspective often left me feeling detached from the It moves along at a constant steady pace. While the story is complex and names are a little tricky to distinguish, Written in third-person narrative, giving detailed descriptions of the suburbsĪnd offering gruesome details in the horror.

For this reason, I think it’s safer to call

The majority of the book is made up of what will happen next,įollowed by a cat and mouse end.

Own run-ins – you have one hell of a melting pot for all this one to stew.Īlthough often classified as a mystery thriller, there is little mystery Suspect, who seeks bloody revenge for the wrongdoing, and a loan-shark with his Be itįriendship, support, peer-pressure or monetary gain, these intentions all have many Quick to rally around her, but each with different intentions. Following a domestic murder of a husband, by his wife, and how her work-group is

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