Audition by Ryu Murakami
I watched the movie directed by Takashi Miike some years ago. I remember it moved very slowly at first, lulling the audience into a false sense of security and playing on our sympathies. When I discovered the novella it was based on was written by Ryu Murakami, I knew I had to read it.
Ryu Murakami is also responsible for In the Miso Soup, a violent story best described as American Psycho in Japan, although it is far from derivative. So I read Audition knowing that it was not a gentle love story. I might be guilty of misremembering the film (I plan to watch it again to check), but I think there is much more foreshadowing in the book, and even the relatively normal beginning has very sinister moments.
The story is about widower Aoyama who meets and falls in love with Asami. His love makes him stupid, delirious and unwilling to acknowledge any reason to doubt Asami. For her part she does seem sad, beautiful, intelligent and sincere. She tells him the sad tale of her childhood and he desperately wants to take care of her, even though he only seems capable of blind adoration.
Asami offers herself to Aoyama, body and soul, on one condition, that he will love only her. In the madness of his desire he willingly agrees. The problem is that she is being literal rather than romantic, this strange, abused, ex ballerina with a curious penchant for feet and plenty of physical scars, who seems connected to people unable to walk for one reason or another. When Aoyama tells her about his beloved son, she punishes him, first with her absence and then …
You'll have to read the book or watch the film to find out how she punishes Aoyama. Afterwards perhaps you'll be extra careful about any promises you make.
Audition is a fast paced story full of beautiful modern prose. It is perfect for lovers of horror and a quick read for those without lots of time on their hands. Tick, tick, tick.
In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami
This book has been described as American Psycho in Japan, and there are similarities, the bleak nihilism and the shocking violence. However, I would argue that In the Miso Soup is also very different.
The narrator is a tourist guide (kind of) by the name of Kenji. What happens over one holiday period in Tokyo shocks him so deeply that he is forced to re-evaluate his life, his friends and his fellow countrymen and he finds all sadly lacking.
Kenji admires the murderous American tourist on some level. In comparison to his saccharine world the man seems more exciting , honest and true than anyone he has met. In the Miso Soup is perfect for anyone wanting to read about modern Japanese culture, especially the seedier side. It is one of the three most shocking books I have read, the other two being American Psycho and Frisk.
Ryu Murakami is an author who pushes the limits of sadistic violence. In the Miso Soup may have given me the courage to do the same in scenes from the Starblood Trilogy, or I just love sick shit in horror.