3.0
The Ruined Map
ByPublisher Description
Of all the great Japanese novelists, Kobe Abe was indubitably the most versatile. With The Ruined Map, he crafted a mesmerizing literary crime novel that combines the narrative suspense of Chandler with the psychological depth of Dostoevsky.
Mr. Nemuro, a respected salesman, disappeared over half a year ago, but only now does his alluring yet alcoholic wife hire a private eye. The nameless detective has but two clues: a photo and a matchbook. With these he embarks upon an ever more puzzling pursuit that leads him into the depths of Tokyo's dangerous underworld, where he begins to lose the boundaries of his own identity. Surreal, fast-paced, and hauntingly dreamlike, Abe’s masterly novel delves into the unknowable mysteries of the human mind.
Translated from the Japanese by E. Dale Saunders.
Mr. Nemuro, a respected salesman, disappeared over half a year ago, but only now does his alluring yet alcoholic wife hire a private eye. The nameless detective has but two clues: a photo and a matchbook. With these he embarks upon an ever more puzzling pursuit that leads him into the depths of Tokyo's dangerous underworld, where he begins to lose the boundaries of his own identity. Surreal, fast-paced, and hauntingly dreamlike, Abe’s masterly novel delves into the unknowable mysteries of the human mind.
Translated from the Japanese by E. Dale Saunders.
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Meet readers like you in the Fable For You feed, designed to build bookish communities4 Reviews
3.0
Esma
Created 20 days agoShare
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Ayelvis
Created about 2 months agoShare
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Isalune Cerise 🖤
Created 3 months agoShare
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“Kobo Abe's The Ruined Map is a fascinating and surreal exploration of identity, self-deception, and the search for meaning. The novel follows a private detective as he embarks on a labyrinthine journey to find a missing person, only to discover that the boundaries between reality and illusion are increasingly blurred. The story’s dreamlike atmosphere and the protagonist’s disorienting experiences create a sense of unease, leaving readers questioning the nature of truth and perception.
What I appreciate about this book is its ability to weave philosophical inquiry into a compelling narrative. Abe's writing is enigmatic, making you pause to reflect on the deeper themes of existence and the complexities of human consciousness. Though it’s a dense and often perplexing read, it’s one that challenges you to think critically about the world around you. If you're a fan of existential fiction or psychological thrillers, The Ruined Map offers a thought-provoking and immersive experience.”
Mychele Mazerolle
Created about 1 year agoShare
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“I have absolutely no clue what is happening in this book, it’s overly descriptive, can’t tell who is speaking and just makes no sense. Maybe it’s a me thing but i got to page 80 and still can’t quite grasp who the characters are and what’s happening half the time. In theory this book sounds amazing but since I can’t understand what’s going on I feel as though I can’t appreciate it at all. Had high hopes :(”About Kobo Abe
Kobo Abe was born in Tokyo in 1924, grew up in Manchuria, and returned to Japan in his early twenties. In 1948 he received a medical degree from Tokyo Imperial University, but he never practiced medicine. Before his death in 1993, Abe was considered his country's foremost living novelist, and was also widely known as a dramatist. His novels have earned many literary awards and prizes, and have all been best sellers in Japan. They include The Woman in the Dunes, Kangaroo Notebook, The Ark Sakura, The Face of Another, The Box Man, and The Ruined Map.
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