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Evil and the Mask

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"Evil and the Mask" delves into a dark and twisted tale of a family tradition where one child is raised to embody evil in the world. The protagonist, Kuki, struggles to escape the fate set by his father, leading to a narrative filled with psychological tension, intricate character development, and unexpected plot twists. The writing style is described as clear and engaging, with a mix of monologues and philosophical dialogues that explore the depths of evil and human suffering.

Characters:

Characters are deeply flawed and complex, showcasing a range of evils within a dysfunctional family, with the protagonist presenting a more humane perspective amidst the chaos.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is described as well-articulated and clear, featuring philosophical dialogue and a dark tone while maintaining an engaging narrative that is easy to follow.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a family's dark tradition of raising a child to embody evil, exploring psychological struggles and societal norms in Japan, culminating in a twist that offers a satisfying conclusion.

Setting:

The setting is contemporary Japan, infused with cultural nuances and the backdrop of an aristocratic family's influence, adding depth to the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is non-linear yet manageable, maintaining intrigue while evolving from a heavy start to a solid progression that keeps readers engaged.
I was eleven, and my father had called me to his study. In his black suit he leaned back heavily on the leather sofa, perhaps because he was already an old man and standing tired him. A ray of the set...

Notes:

The book follows a family tradition of raising one child to embody evil, referred to as 'the cancer'.
The protagonist, Kuki, battles his family's malevolent legacy despite being raised to be evil.
Kuki is depicted as the most humane member of his family, filled with depression.
He commits murder only to protect the woman he loves, showcasing a complex morality.
The family's dynamics are shrouded in depression and unclear relationships.
The novel contrasts Japanese emotions with typical Western (U.S.) reactions, especially regarding redemption and forgiveness.
Kuki's internal struggle for humanity earns the reader's sympathy, despite his dark actions.
The book's narrative includes significant time jumps, leaving some events unexplained.
Dialogue becomes philosophical and stilted at times, but it enriches the story.
The prose is noted for being articulate and clear, aiding in reader comprehension despite the complex plot.
Some readers found the book engaging, while others felt underwhelmed by its darkness.
Overall, the novel is seen as a psychological thriller that delves into themes of evil and family dysfunction.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of abuse, trauma, mental health issues, and moral complexities surrounding evil.

Has Romance?

While there are romantic elements in the relationship between Kuki and Kaori, the romance is complicated by themes of abuse and the overall dark tone of the narrative.

From The Publisher:

The second book by prize-winning Japanese novelist Fuminori Nakamura to be available in English translation, a follow-up to 2012's critically acclaimed The Thief─another fantastically creepy, electric literary thriller that explores the limits of human depravity─and the powerful human instinct to resist evil.

When Fumihiro Kuki is eleven years old, his elderly, enigmatic father calls him into his study for a meeting. "I created you to be a cancer on the world," his father tells him. It is a tradition in their wealthy family: a patriarch, when reaching the end of his life, will beget one last child to cause misery in a world that cannot be controlled or saved. From this point on, Fumihiro will be specially educated to learn to create as much destruction and unhappiness in the world around him as a single person can. Between his education in hedonism and his family's resources, Fumihiro's life is one without repercussions. Every door is open to him, for he need obey no laws and may live out any fantasy he might have, no matter how many people are hurt in the process. But as his education progresses, Fumihiro begins to question his father's mandate, and starts to resist.

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About the Author:

Fuminori Nakamura was born in 1977 and graduated from Fukushima University in 2000. He has won numerous prizes for his writing, including the Ōe Prize, Japan's largest literary award; the David L. Goodis Award for Noir Fiction; and the prestigious…

 
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