Katy's Reviews > The Aosawa Murders

Is it ever really possible know the truth when no one “sees” an event? When one’s perception becomes one’s reality then every witness provides a different “truth”.

This mystery is told in a rather unique way. It is a look back by various witnesses some thirty years after a mass murder trying to understand what really took place.

This novel draws into question the perspective of the author of a book, written ten years after a mass murder and said to be neither fiction nor non-fiction, (refer to the perception and truth comment above). Each chapter in this novel is a look back told from the differing perspective of a witness to some part of the event or it’s aftermath. It is not always clear who the narrator of each chapter is, it is unclear what the purpose of this new “investigation” or “review “ is, and while the lack of clarity is quite apparent throughout this novel , it only added to my frustration while detracting from the enjoyment of a good mystery.

The writing at times is quite eloquent and yet at other times seems to be heading in many different directions, wandering aimlessly. Perhaps that is to reflect the different perspectives or “truths”. However, I found that on such occasions the story waned and lost its momentum. In fact, at times it barely drags along, and the moments of eloquence became fewer and fewer giving way to plentiful aimlessness. Too bad… because the initial concept was brilliant!

So this is how it worked: The witnesses explaining their perspectives are of differing ages and so perhaps that, and the lengthy time that has elapsed since the murders accounts for the variations. Some of the witnesses were quite young at the time of the murders, and their perception of events may be skewed. And other witnesses are rather old, and likewise their fading memories may also provide limitations. While it was an interesting concept, it’s effectiveness was often lost in the presentation. Additionally, I suppose one might consider that something was lost in the translation of this story from Japanese to English.

As this review thirty years later unfolds it seems certain of the events were overlooked or misinterpreted. Now it is not so clear that the suspect who committed suicide not long after the murders either acted alone or even at all. However, as in the book (the one written thirty years prior), this current review (the storyline) fails to provide closure or a even reasonable conclusion to this mystery.

It is a dark tale of mystery that at times piques your interest and yet also has you feeling anxious for plausible resolution. But all falls flat …. too much to gain any feeling of satisfaction in having slogged through the pages when so many other books are waiting for my attention! Sometimes that happens!

2.5 stars rounded up to 3 for a unique concept and occasional bouts of eloquence.