Minato’s use of the Japanese justice system plays impeccably into the core dilemma. Reading through the book and finding different perspectives on the main plot point, I repeatedly went back and forth between the two. Should Moriguchi report the students responsible for her young daughter’s death? Is she wrong to seek revenge on them? The moral dilemma of punishment is something toyed with here. It’s also worth noting that Confessions is translated by the superb Stephen Snyder, who notably did the same for Natsuo Kirino’s Out. The leading killer does occasionally step into cliché motivation territory, but there’s enough substance to accommodate for it. While on the subject of the characters, they all feel like people you may have run across during your high school days. What they choose to do in these situations is entirely individual to the character. You know there’s going to be a twist, but then you’re hit with another, then another.Įach has their own motives and their own views on the situation at large. The passing between the teachers opening thoughts, a student within her class, and then the two killers gives a well-rounded view of the situation.Įach new chapter completely changes what you thought you knew previously, which is why I was wholly engaged right up to the final sentence. This is where Minato’s writing style comes into its own. Without naming them, but giving significant cues to whom they are, Moriguchi sets off a chain of events that will change their lives beyond recognition.

Manami wasn’t drowned by accident, and the culprits are members of her class. On the last day of term, she decides to tell the class the truth. The story centres on a teacher, Yuko Moriguchi whose daughter Manami is found to have drowned in the school swimming pool. Except here, they’re all going to find atonement whether they like it or not. It never shies away from the violence, even when talking about the lives of minors.Īs you can guess from the title, this book centres on the premise of atoning for one’s sins. And this is undoubtedly the main selling point. However, unlike her preceding book, Confessions delves much deeper into the pulp-gruesome atmosphere with little concern for its readers. Its style is reminiscent of Minato’s second translated book, Penance, as each chapter is afforded a second-person perspective on a particular event. On par with the work of renowned Japanese author Keigo Higashino, this has to be one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a long time.

What’s inside? A world which is genuinely terrifying. Confessions delves into the dark recesses of the developing minds of teenagers.

Kanae minato books