Just like last week, I’m giving attention to another Japanese novel. However, this one may be even more gruesome and depressing, which is not what I was expecting from its rather serene cover art that led me to believe it would be touching and perhaps even about romance.
Instead, Lion Cross Point follows ten-year-old Takeru as he spends a warm summer under watch from a caretaker back in his mother’s home village. He holds onto dreadful memories of what his mother and mentally disabled older brother suffered through, stuff no child should have to cope with, let alone at such a young age.
As he settles in, Takeru begins to get to know his upbeat neighbour, and also begins to see a strange figure who bears the same name as a boy who went missing along the coast some day prior to Takeru’s arrival. I suppose this raises the question of whether or not it is all in his head, a manifestation of grief, or something akin to that.
From that vague summary alone, this coming of age story seems both tender and bizarre, which I always welcome. Writing children in a convincing manner is difficult, and writing how they process grief and emotions is even more complex, and I’m curious how well the author nailed his depiction.
With that in mind, plus the novel’s odd and seemingly disturbed concept, I look forward to giving Lion Cross Point a read. I’m confident it should be a solid read, I typically entrust Japanese authors to tackle such dark and emotional concepts in a unique, impactful fashion.
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