Snakes and Earrings

Seen at the time when written, Kanehara (then aged 21) was deemed a major new talent on the Japanese literary scene. If your intention is to shock, then look no further. This novel is endorsed by Ryu Murakami and the opening to Snakes is arguably as arresting as that of Coin Locker Babies. The translation (by David Karashima of Haruki Murakami fame) is also rewarding. Snakes does not lack for either violence or viscerality and borders on punk. There is no shortage of shock value, but it is executed thoughtfully. The alternative vision of Japan depicted here — i.e. beyond the respectable — also reminded me somewhat of People Who Eat Darkness. Ultimately, Snakes asks what is (a) life worth and what does it take — here a death — to render it worthwhile and meaningful. Good stuff, 8/10.

By Hitomi Kanehara