Confessions by Kanae Minato (translated by Stephen Snyder)
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Release date: 14 August 2014
Rating: *****
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Release date: 14 August 2014
Rating: *****
Back cover blurb: When Yuko Moriguchi's four-year-old daughter died at the Middle School wehre she teaches, everyone thought it was a tragic accident. Now it's the last day of term, and Yuko's last day at work. She tells her students she's resigned because of what happened-but not for the reasons they think. Her daughter didn't die in an accident. Her daughter was killed by two pupils in the class. And before she leaves, she has a lesson to teach... But revenge has a way of spinning out of control, and Yuko's last lecture is only the start of the story. In this best-selling Japanese thriller of love, despair and murder, everyone has a confession to make, and no one will escape unharmed.
I must have a really warped and twisted mind, because I seem to have a penchant for dark Japanese novels. Confessions is no exception, and had me hooked from start to finish.
Yuko Moriguchi is a home room teacher at S Middle School in Japan intent on teaching her pupils a lesson.
For two of her home room students played a major role in the untimely death of her four year old daughter, Manami, who's death was thought to be accidental.
Yuko's last home room lesson of the year has been carefully thought out by the single parent teacher.
Each chapter that follows is told from a different characters perspective; Mizuki, the class president, Shuya and Naoki, and relatives such as Naoki's sister.
Each of them thinks that they are justified in behaving the way that they do in the aftermath of Yuko's revelations, and set out to gain the readers empathy.
Mostly, the behaviour is shocking with nobody willing to blame for their own actions, but more than ready and willing to blame others.
Just when you think you know what is going to happen (from Shuya's viewpoint) the author reintroduces Yuko.
Giving the final chapter back to Yuko to behave as she does, in my opinion is a work of genius. I urge you to read Confessions as soon as you can. You won't be disappointed.
For two of her home room students played a major role in the untimely death of her four year old daughter, Manami, who's death was thought to be accidental.
Yuko's last home room lesson of the year has been carefully thought out by the single parent teacher.
Each chapter that follows is told from a different characters perspective; Mizuki, the class president, Shuya and Naoki, and relatives such as Naoki's sister.
Each of them thinks that they are justified in behaving the way that they do in the aftermath of Yuko's revelations, and set out to gain the readers empathy.
Mostly, the behaviour is shocking with nobody willing to blame for their own actions, but more than ready and willing to blame others.
Just when you think you know what is going to happen (from Shuya's viewpoint) the author reintroduces Yuko.
Giving the final chapter back to Yuko to behave as she does, in my opinion is a work of genius. I urge you to read Confessions as soon as you can. You won't be disappointed.
Confessions is available to buy from TODAY from Amazon online and all good book shops.
Huge thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and Bookbridgr who approved my request in exchange for an honest review.
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