This novel deals with wrongful conviction and capital punishment, two topics that I am very interested in. The 13 steps of the title refer to the 13 administrative steps and procedures between the sentencing and the execution. The author used a lot of resources to write this novel: there is an impressive bibliography of 25 titles at the end of the book. Yet, at no point did it feel like the author was forcing any knowledge on us. I find that facts and explanations were well integrated in the story.
Talking about the story, I found the investigation really engrossing. The murder happened 10 years ago and Shoji and Junichi only have one single clue to start their investigation, and the process leading to Kihara’s execution is already underway. This makes for an exciting crime story and race against time.
The only thing that bothered me a little is that some elements felt like they were here for their impact, and they did not feel very credible to me. I find this especially true with stories dealing with justice and retribution, where it sometimes looks like the moral of the story comes first, at the cost of a realistic turn of events. So the end felt a little far-fetched to me, but it is still an engrossing read that raises important questions. Overall, an impressive debut novel!
If you are interested in these topics, I can recommend two non-fiction books that I have read and liked:
On capital punishment: 誰も知らない死刑の舞台裏 by Shoji Kondo
On wrongful convictions: 殺人犯はそこにいる by Kiyoshi Shimizu
About
I’m learning Japanese, Korean and Chinese to read mystery novels and play video games in these languages.
Learning languages has always been one of my favourite hobbies, but I’m not a social person, I don’t like to meet new people and make friends, this is just not me. I keep hearing that languages are meant for communication, that we have to actively use them, talk with natives, etc. and for a long time, I thought it was weird to learn languages just to read books, with zero interest in communication.
Now I don’t really care what people think, and this blog helped me a lot to stop doubting myself and just do what I enjoy doing.
So do you like the book or not ? I didn’t care for it. I read it in its entirety but there was nothing special about the story to me so it felt tedious. I love your unapologetic profile where you emphatically state that you like being antisocial. Books definitely can’t insult you like people do
I gotta admit I had the opposite opinion as you. I liked the guy who died 7 times including the twist when I read it 10+ years ago and I was disappointed with 13 steps. I’d recommend the 7 times book but I wouldn’t recommend 13 steps. I personally enjoyed 7 times and I wasn’t particularly critical of it. I tend to not analyze/overthink when I read mystery books. I read another book by the author that wrote 7 times and that book was mediocre. The twist or the ending was whatever to me. I always gets disappointed at books that won awards that are ordinary.
also I highly recommend reading some otsuichi if you haven’t arleady. I’m sure your pile of books is high but it’s miles better than this book etc. it’s good stuff. easy to read, page turners and you can get them cheap at bookoff. i remocmend the books that won awards 10+ years ago . I was spending a lotta time trying to finish i am a cat these past few months then I decided to take a break from it again and then I noticed all these kindle books I purchased that I never read so it’ll be a while before I get back on the I am a cat train again. I swear with I am a cat I have to read 20-30 minutes just to move 1% on the kindle while with other books I’ll do that in 2-5 minutes lol. I get excited when I move 1% with I am a cat. The reasno I took a break from I am a cat is to finish more books by the end of the year since I read 2-3 books at the same time on the kindle usually.
I should check out other books by the author of the man who died 7 times. He has written so many books, and several got awards apparently. Maybe I’ll find some I’ll love more. I don’t know which one you didn’t like, but anyway, reading this author is not a priority.
I’m much more interested in Otsuichi! Thank you for suggesting! I didn’t know this author, but I wanted to read something more contemporary in parallel with my other books, so this seems perfect. The books that won awards are the Goth series right? It looks like they’re out of print, so I won’t be able to get the physical format. I’ll buy the series digital then. I was making plans for 2025, so I’ll add this author to my list 🙂
I must admit I have completely given up on reading literary fiction in Japanese. I feel like my level is stagnating now, but it’s enough to read mystery novels so it’s fine.
hmm thinking about it you might like the main characters in GOTH based on what you wrote in your about me that you’re not that interested in socializing with people. the characters in his books are always quiet, reserved, dreary and I relate to them well.
All the more looking forward to reading it 🙂