sometimes i feel like true crime novels are in the same league as lifetime movies but i'm quickly getting over that no doubt unfair comparison. this is the second book of non-fiction that i have read about crime-related-activity in japan. the interest probably lies in a general curiosity and enthusiasm about japan combined with the fact that i have always found it's seedier sides somewhat mesmerizing.
people who eat darkness is a book by richard lloyd parry about the disappearance of lucie blackman, a young british woman, while working as a hostess in japan. it is fairly lengthy but its chapters are breezy and the writing, like any good mystery, keeps you hooked. both it and tokyo vice, the other book i read, are by professional journalists who were living in japan and became somewhat wrapped up in their subjects. i guess there's a bit of ego evolved in any story, particularly when you're the authority on the subject, but mr. parry's book is much more straight facts and analysis whereas tokyo vice sometimes comes across as a vanity project for jake adelstein (and its now being made into a movie so maybe thats not too far off).
anyway, both are good reads for anyone at least partially interested in japan and probably must reads for those who want some insight into the yakuza, police beat, and seedy, seldom talked about sections of japanese society.
meanwhile, i should probably stop writing about books and make a post about australia soon?
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