Winner of the Japan Mystery Writers Award, Naoko is a black comedy of hidden minds and lives. Navigating the interstices between the real a...
read full description
reviews
Oct 21, 2011
Michele
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 16, 2011
Christa
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Mar 24, 2011
Alibiserver
rated it: 
On first impression, Keigo Higashino’s novel may appear like the typical supernatural family novel type that will bring you close to tears. Upon finishing it, you will be mistaken. It’s a mystery novel where nothing is stolen, no one gets assaulted AND murdered, and clues are left on the reader’s thinking. It is also question of morality, of gender play, and romance. The first time I finished the book, I remembered Henrik Ibsen’s The Doll House, and left me with a puzzling ending that could haun
More...
Oct 31, 2011
Kevin.kwfoong
rated it:
The moment I finished 'Devotion of Suspect X', I ordered this book from Amazon as no bookstores in Malaysia has this book. And just as I did with Suspect X, I finished this in 2 days. All reviews talk about how the spirit of the mother lives in the body of her daughter after the fatal accident. But that is just the tip-of-the-iceberg. This book is really about how the husband adapts to life after the accident, how he struggles with the confusion of whether he's a husband, or a father. "Did
More...
Oct 13, 2007
Fye
rated it: 
I hate this book with passion.
It was good for a few chapters then it went down to the point that I almost threw the book away. When I finished the book I felt disgusted and horrified in the same time.
I have to admit that it has some chemicals that attract the reader to keep going. But I can not accept the context.
I suppose anyone could give this a go. May be it was just my snob bitchiness that drove my hatred.
In case anyone is thinking 'wth are More...
It was good for a few chapters then it went down to the point that I almost threw the book away. When I finished the book I felt disgusted and horrified in the same time.
I have to admit that it has some chemicals that attract the reader to keep going. But I can not accept the context.
I suppose anyone could give this a go. May be it was just my snob bitchiness that drove my hatred.
In case anyone is thinking 'wth are More...
Jul 16, 2009
novia
rated it:
I have learnt from some books that a great ending can change a not so good book into an amazing book and it goes vice versa. Naoko has a great ending and therefore makes this book as a great book (unlike Harry Potter which turns from an amazing book into a not so good book). I really like Naoko, I gave 4 stars for this book.
full review http://bokunosekai.wordpress.com/2009/07...
full review http://bokunosekai.wordpress.com/2009/07...
Oct 12, 2009
Katsura
rated it:
The original title of this book in Japanese is "Secrets," and I think it is a better description of the book itself. I could not put down the book and stayed up all night to read it. All the emotions and struggles experienced by the characters are well described.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jun 29, 2009
Indy
rated it: 
This is one of the most popular novel of Keigo Higashino, but not my favorite.
But this is a very unique story, and makes you think deeply.
It's a shame that my favorite work of his has not been translated into English.
But this is a very unique story, and makes you think deeply.
It's a shame that my favorite work of his has not been translated into English.
Jan 07, 2011
Will
rated it:
This book is sooo boring, despite an interesting premise. Could the narrative be any more dry? Boooo. I hate quitting on a book before getting to the end but I couldn't finish this book. Don't even pick it up.
Jun 28, 2009
Gertrude & Victoria
rated it:
Naoko, by the ever popular Higashino Keigo, is the first novel to be translated into English. I found this to be one of the easiest Japanese novels to read. It is easy because of its simple diction and catchy plot. It is also a sad story of motherly love.
This work is not unlike Ichikawa Takuji's Be With You, which explores very similar themes: a mother's love for her children. With the quirkiness that seems to be very Japanese, this is a charming story of familial love and devoti More...
This work is not unlike Ichikawa Takuji's Be With You, which explores very similar themes: a mother's love for her children. With the quirkiness that seems to be very Japanese, this is a charming story of familial love and devoti More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Oct 03, 2010
Ria
rated it:
The first half of the book could have easily been torn out, it just might have made the book better that way.
After the first hundred pages, however, it looses part of its cliché plotline, and I didn't even anticipate the way it ended, which, in this case, is a good thing.
After the first hundred pages, however, it looses part of its cliché plotline, and I didn't even anticipate the way it ended, which, in this case, is a good thing.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Oct 21, 2010
Rafael
rated it:
I found myself very sad at times reading this story. However, I loved it! It has a great twist at the end.
Oct 19, 2010
Sara
rated it: 
The author was a Japanese male and the book was written from the male perspective. This book was recommended to me by a Japanese acquaintance, it was a huge hit over there. I wanted to learn more about their culture. It was a hard, slow read. I do not think the story line would fly over here but I did learn a lot about their culture. Interesting.
Feb 27, 2007
pinkgal
rated it:
A tragic not-so-much-love story and a weird, creepy plot. Hmmmm, sounds like my kind of book! Even after reading it, I never really figured out how you might deal with the fact that your wife is suddenly inhabiting your daughter and just how would you deal with that? I'd suggest this to anyone; not for the fainthearted since it does touch a bit on the taboo.
Dec 16, 2009
Stephanie
rated it:
I really enjoyed this novel. It was sad but hopeful, although the ending (which I won't reveal, my pretties, you'll have to read it to find out) leaves itself open to debate as to what actually happened. Very good.
Jan 22, 2011
Evelien
rated it:
One of those cases where the movie was better than the book. Ending was too rushed here.
Feb 06, 2008
Jay
rated it:
his was an interesting story that is about personality and memories and where they really come from. It was a pretty good read and I really enjoyed it.
Feb 10, 2012
Feb 05, 2012
Feb 02, 2012
Jan 31, 2012
Jan 29, 2012
