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Falling From the Floating World

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When Ray is sacked from his job in London, he goes to Japan hoping to start his life afresh. Things begin he lands work as an English teacher and strikes up a relationship with the beautiful, intriguing Tomoe. But his world is turned upside down when Tomoe’s father is found dead. Convinced that his death was a murder, Tomoe sets out after the killers, and when she goes missing Ray is forced to act. In his quest to find her he’s dragged into the ‘floating world’ – a place of corrupt politicians, yakuza, sumo wrestlers and call-girls – living out an adventure that echoes his dreams of Tokyo’s feudal past. It’s a search guaranteed to bring further loss of life, and Ray is pulled into a desperate chase to ensure it won’t be his.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2019

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Nick Hurst

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Lel Budge.
1,367 reviews30 followers
March 4, 2019
Ray is a bit of a baby, he once walked away from a bungee jump through fear and just wants a life of mundanity……ha !

He meets Tomoe, a beautiful, spontaneous girl who he falls for instantly, but he finds out she has a secret life….and they argue….Tomoe goes missing and Ray-san realises he loves her and is intent on finding her, no matter what!

It’s violent and yet beautiful, with the wonderful insight into Japanese culture, past and present and of the Floating World, which is the world of play, brothels and entertainment in Tokyo (and some other cities in Japan). The descriptive writing is so good, I could feel the menace from Kurotaki and The Beast, the beauty of Tomoe and the desperation of Ray……brilliant.

This is a stunningly written tale of power, grace, honour and love…..oh and a bit of Yakuza lore too. There’s also some corporate wrong doings and a plan to bring this to light, in all a masterful and totally captivating thrill of a read. I loved it.

Thank you to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

https://orlando-books.blog/2019/03/04...
Profile Image for Keith [on semi hiatus].
170 reviews56 followers
July 23, 2019
A NetGalley review (https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/1557...

This is a brilliant trip into the world of Japanese sub-culture.

It's from the point-of-view of the protagonist, a gaijin, of whom gets laid-off from his job and searches into himself for qualities and skillsets that will allow him to pick himself up and continue daily grind of working life.

Fortunately, from previous experience in Japan, he can move back there for work; he does so and descends into a downward spiral of gangster hustling trying to investigate the story to why his girlfriend has gone missing.

There's a familial story behind her absence between his girlfriend and her father that involves a dream-world, the yakuza, a nuclear-energy power-plant, and a loss of body parts.

Behind it, exists a plot of romance between boyfriend and girlfriend, and the lengths of which one will go for love.

Word of warning for Japanophiles like myself, read the paperback. If you read the e-book you'll spend ages burning through this awesome read as there are beautiful pieces of traditional art and a million cultural references throughout to keep you heavily distracted from the story itself; in a good way.

Thumbs-up!
Profile Image for Kim.
2,663 reviews10 followers
June 29, 2019
Setting: Tokyo, Japan. Ray Clarence loses his job in a London advertising firm so, with his knowledge of Japanese language and culture, moves to Japan. Ray lands a teaching job and meets the vivacious and loving Tomoe, who becomes his girlfriend - life is very good for Ray, so there is only one way for things to go and that is downhill. When Tomoe's father is killed, Tomoe enlists Ray's help in trying to find out what happened. Ray's enquiries lead to him being warned off by an 'enforcer' for a Japanese gang. Tomoe regards this as an achievement but, when she then goes missing, Ray starts to search for her and ends up as a pawn between two rival Japanese gangs (yakuzas), one who wants him dead and one who wants him to help them bring the other gang down....
Ray is a bit of an inept character, regularly getting hold of the wrong end of the stick and ending up getting beaten up for his troubles. I can't say that I was totally gripped by either the story or the characters in this one and found the 'floating world' interludes a bit confusing so, overall, only 6/10 for me.
398 reviews8 followers
March 12, 2019
Ray is an English teacher working in Japan, having been sacked from his job in London in advertising. Having a degree in Japanese Studies he’s been to the country before, knows it well, speaks the language. While there he meets Tomoe, a woman better than him in so many ways: more beautiful, more charismatic, with a greater zeal for life. He falls for her and he falls hard. But there’s a surprise in stall, when she tells him that something has happened to her father and it has to do with the Yakuza. She asks him to help her with her inquiries, then she goes missing. Ray is now drawn deeper and deeper himself into the underbelly of Japan and it’s a dark place indeed, especially for a gaijin - foreigner - like himself.

Many novels claim a sense of place, and this is especially seen as important by some crime novel readers. Of course, not all novels need to do this and there are many a successful novel, including crime novels and thrillers, that don’t try to conjure up a particular locale. For those that do, some succeed, some don’t, while others still come across as mere travelogue. What marks Falling from the Floating World out as special is that not only does it conjure Japan and Tokyo up beautifully, this sense of place is integral to the entire plot. Indeed, this is not a novel that could have been set anywhere else, so vital is the culture and society of Japan to the story. This is hardly surprising, as the author, Nick Hurst, has spent much time in the Far East, including Japan, and obviously knows the region well. Even so, the research that has gone into this novel, his knowledge of Japanese society, its underworld and the Yakuza, Japanese myths and folklore - all of which is fed into the novel’s narrative - is deeply impressive.

In a world increasingly homogenous, there are arguably few places which have held onto their individual cultural identity as much as Japan, and the author introduces the reader to a rich tapestry. There are the myriad different layers of prostitution; the fact that the Yakuza are semi-legal, indeed, they have their own offices, signposted (albeit discreetly), a situation unthinkable in other countries - imagine if the Sicilian Mafia had offices. These major facets are fascinating, but it’s the smaller things I found most intriguing. One such example is the homeless caused by the Japanese economic downturn. Unlike the homeless in Western nations, these are not the product of broken homes, mental ill-health, alcoholism or drug abuse; rather, these are salaried workers who have lost the job-for-life, people who abandon their families through shame, their carefully constructed shelters on the sidewalk intricately put together and cared for. Another example is the pod hotels, tiny rooms let out for the night. Some cater specifically to those planning illicit liaisons, complete with keys dispensed by vending machine and no staff in sight.

While the plot of Falling from the Floating World is strong and keeps the reader turning the page - I grew to like Ray, a regular guy quickly out of his depth, while Tomoe is beguiling, and one can understand why Ray falls for her - it’s the depth of the world the author creates that makes this novel something special. I really felt like I learnt something about Japan (a country to which I’ve never been), that I understand its society and culture a little better, and that’s a very rare thing in a novel. This is a fascinating novel, and Nick Hurst is a talent to watch, and I certainly look forward to reading whatever he chooses to write next.
Profile Image for Emma.
191 reviews
March 13, 2019
As I close my eyes I can hear a gentle stream of tranquility. The wind is whispering to the cherry blossoms as they fall with such grace to the ground. I feel a cold substance trickle down the side of my head accompanied by an intense throbbing sensation. Suddenly my eyes are wide open and I am surrounded by bloodied fists, a jar of fingers and a dragon tattoo. What kind of world have I stepped into dear reader? Let’s find out shall we? Join me in a cup of saké as we enter the floating world.

From the opening sentence Hurst hooks the reader into this thrilling world of danger. I was fully immersed in the dark, mysterious floating world that surrounds itself with the artistic beauty of being a Tayū to the violent corrupt lifestyle of the Yakuza.

My senses were tingling with anticipation on each page as I followed Ray in his search for Tomoe. Hurst knows how to keep a story flowing with an endless pace of movement and discovery. It’s gripping stuff and intrigues the reader to continue their journey. The adrenaline Hurst delivers in his writing pulls you in further to these darker reaches as Ray enters a world like no other. The reader is begrudgingly drawn into the arms of the Yakuza and Füzoku, the sex industry in Japan, the underworld if you will, where seedy dealings and illegal activity is a daily occurrence. The reader can’t help but be curious about what goes on behind closed doors, it’s hypnotising to read.

I fully enjoyed learning about Edo times and Olde world Japan as I have always been fascinated with their history. Hurst writes with such passion for Japanese culture that you can’t help but feel a little educated in their ways of life. You respect their traditions and dare not cause offence by questioning them on their definition of honour.

I was rooting for Ray throughout the whole book. He is a likeable character who only wants to save Tomoe, the woman he loves. To witness him go through so much suffering and heartache was devastating. In one particular scene I was at a loss, it was difficult to read as you knew what was coming but kept hoping you were wrong. I was traumatized yet strangely mesmerised by witnessing the brutality that comes with being in the Yakuza.

The tension that Hurst creates within a scene and the characters is gripping as you’re literally on the edge of your seat wondering how it is going to play out. I applaud it and although stressful to read in parts, it was still enjoyable. It added to that sense of urgency, of time running out for Ray and the desperate need to find Tomoe. Skilfully done.

I give Falling From The Floating World By Nick Hurst a Four out of Five paw rating.

This book is; to put it simply, astonishing. A tale of murder, honour, revenge and love. It will pull you so deep into the floating world that you may struggle to escape. I loved it and can’t recommend it highly enough. An intoxicating read that you need to discover.

Profile Image for The Literary Shed.
222 reviews18 followers
March 11, 2019
Falling from the Floating World, Nick Hurst’s second novel, is an elegantly constructed thriller, occasionally lyrical in its depiction of Japanese life, culture and crime. As the book opens, gaijin Ray, a Japanese Studies graduate, is living in Japan, where he has come to live after being very politely sacked from his job in advertising. Here, he meets the alluring, intriguing Tomoe, ‘so gorgeous’ he gets ‘butterflies’ when he’s around her. But being with Tomoe is like walking on shifting sands: he’s never quite sure which version of her he will meet. When she appears on his doorstep, obviously troubled, it emerges that her father has reportedly committed suicide – but the manner of his death makes Tomoe doubt the official version of events. …

She blames the yakuza and asks Ray to help her investigate and Ray quickly finds himself falling from the ‘floating world’ and immersed in Japan’s dark underbelly, mired in the rich customs and traditions of the past. … When Tomoe goes missing, however, all bets are off as Ray seeks to uncover the truth. …

In many ways paying more than a nod to old school-style thrillers, at its core Falling from a Floating World is about love and revenge. It’s a fine book, made all the more so by the ‘extras’ – the very beautiful images, from museums, galleries and printmakers, which open each chapter, the notes on pronunciation, key characters and Japanese words – which all add to the experience. I can’t recommend it enough.

See the full review on: http://www.theliteraryshed.co.uk/read...

This review was originally published as part of the virtual book tour. Many thanks to the publisher for supplying a review copy. All opinions are our own; all rights reserved.


Profile Image for Alan M.
732 reviews34 followers
June 7, 2019
I'm torn between 2 and 3 stars for this one, but cos I'm a sucker for Japan I'll be generous. There is certainly some atmosphere of Tokyo and its 'floating world', the dark underbelly of gangsters, drugs and prostitution. The problem is, in this tale of an Englishman caught up in a world he can't envisage when his Japanese girlfriend goes missing, it's just so unbelievable it's actually comical.

(Some slight spoilers coming up...)

He not only gets involved with the yakuza, he actually becomes a member; he is forced to have a tattoo; he has part of a finger cut off; he jumps out of windows and moving cars... And he just goes along with it.

It's a thriller, ok, but it's on the brink of just being a bit too bonkers. And once it's all wrapped up it feels like it's left open for a sequel. Oh dear, I hope not. Setting and atmosphere: good. Plot and character: not so good. Realistically 2.5 stars, bumped up to 3 cos, what the heck, it's set in Japan.
Profile Image for Naza.
95 reviews9 followers
August 1, 2019
A great way to get to know Japanese culture.

Ray loses his job in London and decides to start a new life in Japan.He finds a job as a teacher and finds himself a mysterious girlfriend,Tomoe.

Things immediately change when Tomoe’s Father dies,however his daughter does not believe he has killed himself.

The story starts slowly but it gets more intriguing page after page.
The cultural references to the traditional Japanese are multiple,I felt almost compelled to go and look them up as I love anything Japan-related.The descriptions are beautifully written and you can easily see that a deep research on Japanese culture and traditions was done by the author.

I would say that this book is a good mix of romance,adventure and mistery.I could not put it down as I wanted to know how the plot developed.

Mystery,passion,tradition and violence mix up in a great tale!


Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Profile Image for Kelly Furniss.
1,030 reviews
December 26, 2019
I am a sucker for Japanese books so the cover and synopsis of this pulled me straight in.
Although fictional a fascinating insight in to the Japanese underworld Yakuza is shown as our main protaginist searches for his missing girlfriend Tomoe after her father dies in what she believes are suspicious circumstances and then she disappears. It is certainly action packed, violent but then pretty as we get to see Japanese culture, folklore of the past and present as 'The Floating Worlds' of the brothels/red light district and then the entertainment are described.
You can tell the book is well researched and the story kept me hanging on until the bitter end.
A very enjoyable powerful read.
My thanks go to the publisher, author and Netgalley in providing this arc in return for a honest review.
Profile Image for Anastasia.
28 reviews
May 1, 2019
On the upside, the plot is interesting. On the downside, the characters are unimaginative, featuring Manic Pixie Dream Girl (Japanese version) and Unlikeable “Intelligent” Slacker White Boy. We know them. She is Unpredictable, Accommodating, Beautiful, Mysterious. He is Smart but unambitious and somehow well liked despite lacking any interesting traits. The writing is good, fast-paced but littered with weird time jumps.
Profile Image for Edward.
7 reviews3 followers
July 22, 2019
I gotta give credit to Nick for making the book feel localised with all the explanations and illustrations provided. It exceeded expectations with how it showed Japan's underworld, though the pacing was volatile.
6 reviews
July 27, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable

A well researched and well written book, with some interesting characters and likeable main protagonist. I look forward to reading another book by this author.
Profile Image for Qiu Ting.
53 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2020
I struggled reading through most of the details especially between the yakuza groups. This one's not for me.
Profile Image for N.otabene.
192 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2020
If anyone bumped into yakuza and messed up their detailed organized life should be dead by now. But miraculously for Ray , he didnt . Just like our typical hero who live his life monotonously and suddenly things happened and boom , he save the world .
Profile Image for Sonja van der Westhuizen | West Words.
365 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2020
Until earlier this year the extent of my knowledge of Japanese fiction only included the king of Japanese fiction, Haruki Murakami, and some awareness of other Japanese authors whom I haven’t read yet. Luckily the world of Japanese crime fiction was opened for me by Keigo Higashino when I found a copy of The Devotion of Suspect X in a secondhand bookshop. Shortly thereafter my path crossed ways with Hideo Yokoyama when I had to do a review for the newspaper on Prefecture D.


Although Falling from a floating world can’t technically be classified as Japanese crime fiction, it does deal with Japanese culture and it creates a vivid, detailed picture of Tokyo.

Full review: https://westwordsreviews.wordpress.co...
Profile Image for Lel Budge.
1,367 reviews30 followers
May 27, 2019
Ray is a bit of a baby, he once walked away from a bungee jump through fear and just wants a life of mundanity……ha !

He meets Tomoe, a beautiful, spontaneous girl who he falls for instantly, but he finds out she has a secret life….and they argue….Tomoe goes missing and Ray-san realises he loves her and is intent on finding her, no matter what!

It’s violent and yet beautiful, with the wonderful insight into Japanese culture, past and present and of the Floating World, which is the world of play, brothels and entertainment in Tokyo (and some other cities in Japan). The descriptive writing is so good, I could feel the menace from Kurotaki and The Beast, the beauty of Tomoe and the desperation of Ray……brilliant.

This is a stunningly written tale of power, grace, honour and love…..oh and a bit of Yakuza lore too. There’s also some corporate wrong doings and a plan to bring this to light, in all a masterful and totally captivating thrill of a read. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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