黒革の手帖〈下〉

by Seichō Matsumoto, 松本清張

元子を恨む波子は楢林と別れ、大物総会屋をパトロンにクラブを開く。政治家秘書の安島を通じ、医大の裏口入学者のリストを手中にした元子は、橋田をおどし、一流クラブ、ルダン買取りの仮契約を結ぶ。しかし橋田、安島らの仕組んだ罠が元子を待ち受ける。安島との一夜での妊娠の不安に怯える元子の前には黒服の男たちが…。夜の世界に生きる女の野望を描くサスペンス長編。

Genres: Japanese Literature

326 pages, Paperback Bunko

First published December 31, 1982

About the author

Seicho Matsumoto (松本清張, Matsumoto Seichō), December 21, 1909 – August 4, 1992) was a Japanese writer.

Matsumoto's works created a new tradition of Japanese crime fiction. Dispensing with formulaic plot devices such as puzzles, Matsumoto incorporated elements of human psychology and ordinary life into his crime fiction. In particular, his works often reflect a wider social context and postwar nihilism that expanded the scope and further darkened the atmosphere of the genre. His exposé of corruption among police officials as well as criminals was a new addition to the field. The subject of investigation was not just the crime but also the society in which the crime was committed.

The self-educated Matsumoto did not see his first book in print until he was in his forties. He was a prolific author, he wrote until his death in 1992, producing in four decades more than 450 works. Matsumoto's mystery and detective fiction solidified his reputation as a writer at home and abroad. He wrote historical novels and nonfiction in addition to mystery/detective fiction.

He was awarded the Akutagawa Prize in 1952 and the Kikuchi Kan Prize in 1970, as well as the Mystery Writers of Japan Award in 1957. He chaired the president of Mystery Writers of Japan from 1963 to 1971.

Credited with popularizing the genre among readers in his country, Matsumoto became his nation's best-selling and highest earning author in the 1960s. His most acclaimed detective novels, including Ten to sen (1958; Points and Lines, 1970); Suna no utsuwa (1961; Inspector Imanishi Investigates, 1989) and Kiri no hata (1961; Pro Bono, 2012), have been translated into a number of languages, including English.

He collaborated with film director Yoshitarō Nomura on adaptations of eight of his novels to film, including Castle of Sand.

Reviews

[Angel 一匹狼 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This "黒革の手帖 (Pocketbook of Black Leather)" is, till now, the best and most enjoyable Matsumoto I have read: fast paced, with interesting characters (particularly the main character), thrilling situations, surprises here and there, and no talk about trains. Yes, there are still moments where characters go on and on explaining the plot to the reader... I mean, explaining important stuff to the main character, and also, one has to wonder about that ending, and some other moments that one can feel might be a product of its era, but, still, Matsumoto at his best. And an improvement over the first part of the story.

The best: it is a sturdy piece of work

The worst: the ending, and here and there, smell of some misogynism

Alternatives: Nishimura Kyōtarō is the one that feels closest to Matsumoto in style; Miyabe Miyuki, Yukito Ayatsuji, Higashino Keigo... There are many

7/10

(Japanese; original)

[Meeko · Rating 4 out of 5]

元子がこう落ちぶれていくのを、容易く想像出来る話の展開ではあるけど、最後の最後になんかホラーっぽく終わって怖かった。

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

《黑色皮革手册》很好看！松本清张写的太好了！😍不过就是结局让人感慨，本来以为元子会一直那样顽强的战斗下去，不想还是落入了陷阱，在松本清张的小说的黑吃黑的世界里，一个人打拼的元子还是敌不过更黑暗的存在。