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Natsuo Kirino - Out

ISBN: 978-0099472285

"Out", not just a book, not just a novel, but an accurate depiction of of life as it is and the consequences of what can happen when an ordinary situation falls into extraodinary circumstances.

The book follows the lives of what appears to be 4 japanese, working class, every day women trapped in a male dominated society and locked into a life long routine of boxing factory meals on the night shift. When out an act of solace, one woman makes a stand, their lives unbeknown to them, will change forever.

A dark tale of sisterhood, unity, greed and stupidity. This is a story of love through the act of murder; of a damaged past inevitably leading to rape and destruction; the tempted husband who is unfaithful to his wife, and a few little women whose personas though so different, are what brings them so close, that there is nothing they won't sacrefice for one another.

What will happen when 2 people who've led unfortunate existences, (both aesthetically appealing yet internally bleeding a river of tears caused by constant despiration)- connect?

Truly a 5* read. Not only fascinating because of its depth of content, but its structure. Natsuo Kuniko possesses an undeniable flair for providing the reader with just the right amount of knowledge and detail of the 'core' story, combined with many underlying and equally as interestng parallels. Her technique a rarity, due to her unique ability to 'feed' us information not only by flickering between the past and present, but also by integrating the lives of various characters throughout.

It amazes me how she is able to achieve an emotional connection with her characters and the reader without such a connection becoming overbearing, confusing or boring, in any sense of the word.

In retrospect, anyone who chooses to read this book will find a reflection of themselves cast upon the pages within it. It's almost uncanny how Natsuo manages to unveil a story so dark and interesting yet it speaks to us, and reminds us, the reader, that we are always one small step from desperation -with the capacity to do anything!

Reviewed By: Gabriella Enriocco

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