An overview of the (few!) books I read in April.
Book review:『孤独の罠』
I find that some of Jokichi Hikage’s books feel like a blend of literary fiction and mystery, but 孤独の罠 leans more on the side of literary fiction. The story is mainly focused on our protagonist, Shinobu Oogi, and while it starts with an unsettling mystery, it is not central to the book, and the complex..
Currently reading: Chinese, Korean and Japanese novels
April reading update! I am currently reading in my three target languages at the same time.
Book review: 『点と線』by Seicho Matsumoto
点と線 is a short, easy to read novel that centres the plot around train, timetables and alibis.
Korean mini book reviews #2
After a long break, I am back with four mini reviews of Korean books.
Book review:『内部の真実』by Jokichi Hikage
Easily one of the best mystery novels I have read in Japanese.
Book review:『七年目の脅迫状』by Futari Okajima
The three horse racing mysteries by Futari Okajima definitely belong to my favourite mystery novels.
Learning Chinese with EBS
I’m learning Chinese with a Korean podcast simply called 중급 중국어.
Book review: 『応家の人々』by Jokichi Hikage
A mystery novel set in Taiwan under Japanese rule, 応家の人々 belongs to my favourite novels.
Book review: 『焦茶色のパステル』by Futari Okajima
I’m really loving Futari Okajima’s horse racing mysteries, 焦茶色のパステル is as good as あした天気にしておくれ, and I recommend both!
Book review: 『寝台特急殺人事件』by Kyotaro Nishimura
I really love Kyotaro Nishimura’s train series: the nostalgia of old sleeper trains coupled with an engrossing mystery…
Book review: 『仲のいい死体』by Shoji Yuki
Third book in the Sergeant Gohara series, 仲のいい死体 is similar to the first two books but with a more interesting setting in my opinion.