Fuminori Nakamura: The Thief
The Thief by Fuminori
Genre: Thriller, Suspense
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Introduction
This psychological thriller, originally published in 2009 and translated into English by Satoko Izumo and Stephen Coates in 2012, offers a deep dive into the psyche of a skilled pickpocket navigating a world of crime and moral dilemmas.
"The Thief" introduces us to Nishimura, a master pickpocket operating in Tokyo's bustling streets, a city depicted as a hub of loneliness and despair. As we traverse through Nishimura's life, we witness his descent into a world of crime that goes beyond mere pickpocketing, a world filled with betrayal, deceit, and moral quandaries.
Themes and Messages
The narrative explores profound themes such as loneliness, morality, and the human condition, offering a grim perspective on modern society. The book poses philosophical questions about morality, exploring the blurred lines between good, evil, and fate.
Strengths
I found the narrative's introspective dimension profound and engaging, serving as a rich canvas where Nishimura's ceaseless contemplation of moral dilemmas and the intricacies of human relationships unfolded with remarkable depth. The character's internal discourse offers a meticulous exploration of Japanese societal norms, subtly raising poignant questions about predetermined destiny and the undercurrents of human connections that govern our lives.
What particularly stood out was the author's masterful restraint in not providing direct answers to the profound questions raised, thereby granting readers the intellectual space to forge their own interpretations and conclusions. This technique not only fosters a deeper engagement with the narrative but also invites readers to embark on a personal journey of reflection, echoing the introspective journey undertaken by Nishimura.
Furthermore, the author astutely positions the protagonist, Nishimura, within the morally ambiguous realm of pickpocketing, a decision that not only enriches the narrative with a complex exploration of ethical dilemmas but also denies the character an unequivocal moral high ground. This choice fosters a nuanced discussion on morality, inviting readers to grapple with the intricate dynamics of right and wrong through a lens that is neither black nor white.
It is a testament to high-caliber storytelling, where the narrative transcends mere storytelling to foster a rich, interactive dialogue with the readers, encouraging them to delve deeper into the philosophical undertones embedded in the fabric of Japanese culture and human existence.
Weaknesses
I hold a predisposition for authors who use unique metaphors and vivid imagery as tools in their narrative arsenal. It was, therefore, a source of disappointment to find the author passing up such opportunities to include these enriching elements. While some might contend that the incorporation of metaphorical language and illustrative imagery could potentially elongate the narrative and decelerate the pacing, thereby detracting from the story’s momentum, I can only partially share this sentiment. There were moments where the prose felt too literal and dull, leading to a somewhat monotonous reading experience. However, I acknowledge that this is a matter of personal preference, rooted in my own literary tastes.
Recommendation
If a traditional whodunnit is what you seek, you may want to explore other options. Yet, for those drawn to a suspense-laden narrative that delves profoundly into the human condition, this is a compelling choice. Witness a criminal protagonist grappling not only with his own moral compass and the pangs of solitude but also pondering the fluid nature of destiny. Here, you will find a story that not only captivates but invites reflection on deeper existential questions, promising a rich and layered reading experience.
THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS CONTAIN SPOILERS
Chapter 12: The Nobleman, The Young Man, and Fate
“You have to look prosperous so that no one suspects you. You have to wear a lie, you have to blend into your environment as a lie. The only difference between me and the store dummy was the shoes. Keeping in mind that I might have to run away, I was in sneakers.”
“Was the young man’s fate really controlled entirely by the nobleman? Or was being controlled by the nobleman the young man’s fate?”
Loneliness: Nishimura and the Young Boy
As we delve deeper into the narrative, we learn that Nishimura's life wasn't always this way. He once had accomplices - Ishikawa and Tachibana, with whom he carried out more significant heists. However, as the story unfolds, we find Nishimura entangled in a complex web of criminal activities that go beyond mere pickpocketing.
As Nishimura gets deeper into the criminal underworld, he becomes a pawn in a larger scheme orchestrated by powerful individuals operating in the shadows. The plot thickens as he finds himself caught in a vicious cycle of betrayal, deceit, and violence. The lines between friend and foe blur and Nishimura is faced with moral problems that challenge his understanding of right and wrong.
A significant turning point in the story is Nishimura's relationship with a mother and her young son. This relationship brings a semblance of normalcy and warmth to his otherwise cold and isolated existence. However, this relationship also becomes a source of vulnerability, exposing him to dangers and moral dilemmas that test the boundaries of his conscience.
“To put it plainly, you work for me now. You can’t refuse, because if you do, the woman and kid will die a horrible death. It’s your fate. Fate is like the relationship between the strong and the weak, don’t you think? Look at religion, for example. The Israelites, who worshipped Jehovah—why were they afraid of him? Because their god was powerful, that’s why. Everyone who believes in gods fears them to some extent. That’s because gods have power.”
“The nobleman handed the youth a bundle of papers bound with string. When he opened the pages, he saw his whole life until that point recorded there. It was what the nobleman had written some fifteen years before. It must have been a terrible shock when he saw it. At the end of the story, he was to be put to death in front of the nobleman for the crime of laying his hands on the mistress, even though that crime had of course been staged by the nobleman himself. “The young man collapsed on the floor. It took him a long time to fit all the pieces together. At the instant he understood everything and looked up at the nobleman, trembling with emotion, the soldier standing behind him stabbed him in the back. I have no idea what thoughts were going through the young man’s head before he died, but the nobleman was quivering with delight. He was enjoying an overwhelming pleasure, quite unlike fortune, fame, the joy of being with a woman. The nobleman savored that pleasure with a serious expression, as if transfixed, forgetting even to laugh.”
“It makes no difference to me whether you succeed or fail and die. I never change my mind, so if you fail I will kill you. It’s as simple as that. I’ve got dozens of people like you working for me. You’re just one among many. You’re just a tiny fraction of all the feelings that pass through me. Things that are trivial to the people at the top of the pyramid are matters of life and death to those beneath them. That’s the way the world works. And above all—” He paused for a second. “You do not make any demands. Do not ask any questions. Maybe you can’t understand me, but that’s how it is. Life is unfair. All over the world there are millions of children starving to death as soon as they’re born. Dying like flies. That’s just how it is.””
Thanks for reading my review! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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