In 'Out' by Natsuo Kirino, a group of women working the night shift at a Tokyo factory find themselves entangled in a web of murder and secrecy when one of them kills her abusive husband. As they cover up the crime, their lives spiral into a dark exploration of desperation, betrayal, and female empowerment. The gripping narrative exposes the hidden struggles of women in a patriarchal society, challenging the boundaries of morality and loyalty. With each twist, you'll question what it means to truly escape one’s past. 'Out' is a haunting and provocative tale that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.
By Natsuo Kirino
Published: 2005
"In the shadows of the mundane, darkness lurks, waiting for the slightest crack to slip through and claim the unsuspecting."
Winner of Japan's Grand Prix for Crime Fiction • Edgar Award Finalist • Nothing in Japanese literature prepares us for the stark, tension-filled, plot-driven realism of Natsuo Kirino’s award-winning literary mystery Out. This mesmerizing novel tells the story of a brutal murder in the staid Tokyo suburbs, as a young mother who works the night shift making boxed lunches strangles her abusive husband and then seeks the help of her coworkers to dispose of the body and cover up her crime. The coolly intelligent Masako emerges as the plot’s ringleader, but quickly discovers that this killing is merely the beginning, as it leads to a terrifying foray into the violent underbelly of Japanese society. At once a masterpiece of literary suspense and pitch-black comedy of gender warfare, Out is also a moving evocation of the pressures and prejudices that drive women to extreme deeds, and the friendships that bolster them in the aftermath.
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“In the shadows of the mundane, darkness lurks, waiting for the slightest crack to slip through and claim the unsuspecting.”
Out
By Natsuo Kirino
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Natsuo Kirino is a celebrated Japanese author known for her compelling and often dark narratives that explore complex themes such as gender, identity, and societal norms. She gained international recognition with her novel "Out," which won the Edgar Award for Best Novel and is a poignant thriller centered around the lives of four women driven to reclaim their autonomy in a patriarchal society. Kirino's other notable works include "Grotesque" and "Real World," both of which delve into the intricacies of human nature and societal expectations. Her writing style is characterized by its psychological depth, intricate plots, and a stark, unflinching examination of the human condition, making her a significant figure in contemporary Japanese literature.
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