Five words from the blurb: Tokyo, hostess, dismembered, fate, family
Lucie Blackman was just 21-years-old when she disappeared in June 2000. She had been working as a hostess in Tokyo and for months no-one knew what had happened to her. It was suggested that she’d joined a cult or run away with a boyfriend, but after a difficult search her dismembered remains were discovered in an isolated cave. Richard Lloyd Parry spent 10 years researching the case; interviewing everyone and gaining detailed information about the personalities of those involved. People Who Eat Darkness provides an insight into the bizarre world of the Japanese hostess and explains the legal system in the country. It is a fascinating book that must rank as one of the best pieces of true crime ever written.
The pace of the book was slow and Parry’s meticulous research was obvious throughout, but what made this book special was the way that every single person was thoroughly developed. I felt as though I knew them, understanding their actions and feeling their pain/frustration.
The book was perfectly structured. In the hands of a lesser author the story could be seen as quite simple, but Parry arranged the fragments to create an engaging book that introduced new threads of information at exactly the right time. Complex moral questions were raised throughout and I’m still thinking about what I’d do if faced with similar circumstances.
People are afraid of stories like Lucie’s, stories about meaningless, brutal, premature death; but most of them can not own up to their fear. So they take comfort in the certainty of moral judgements, which they brandish like burning branches waved in the night to keep off the wolves.
Lucie’s case was high profile and I remembering hearing some details from the press at the time, but this book revealed how little the public actually know about an individual case. I was shocked by certain aspects of the story and surprised by the number of twists and turns.
I love Japanese culture and this book provided me with lots of interesting snippets of information. I found the details about the police force particularly revealing – who knew that the symbol for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police is an orange fairy named Peepo?!
Overall this was an impressive book that will shock and entertain you. Highly recommended.
.
The thoughts of other bloggers:
It was a fascinating and intense read. The Literary Stew
…a thorough investigation of a crime that can offer no answer to its questions. In Bed with Books
…a compelling and unputdownable read, that will haunt you for days afterward. A Bookish Way of Life
28 replies on “People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry”
This was a book that was a publisher favorite at SIBA. It made my true crime-loving heart zing! I’m putting this on the “have to read” pile for sure!
Sandy, I’m sure you’ll love this book – those publishers at SIBA have good taste 🙂
I’m not much of a true crime reader but this sounds very interesting. I can imagine we don’t hear a lot of what happened and how the investigation moves forward. And I’m interested in Japanese culture too.
Caroline, I used to read quite a lot of true crime, but most of it becomes quite similar after a while. This stands out from the crowd. The Japanese aspects really added to it, but the best thing about this book is the insight into the people involved. Humanising a crime makes a big impact.
You read such interesting sounding books that I have never heard of! It is not a genre I read a lot of, but it does sound gripping.
Kailana, I’m finding that my reading tastes are broadening and through book blogs/twitter I keep discovering amazing new books I hadn’t heard of. It is nice I’m able to draw the best to your attention. I hope you give this one a try – it is very gripping!
True crime isn’t usually my thing but you make such a strong case for this. And I can’t imagine a fairy symbol inspiring much confidence in the police! What an interesting tidbit.
Jenners, I don’t read much true crime any more, but this one is worth bending any rule for. I’m sure you’ll find it fascinating.
Great review! Thanks for linking my blog. I really enjoyed this one as well andit will probably make my top ten of the year list.
Mrs. B, This one is going to be in my top 5 for the year – glad to hear it will make your list too.
This is the first time I have come across this title. It has been a long time since I read true crime but you have caught my attention with this title – what a powerful excerpt.
Jo, There are loads of powerful sections in this book – one of the reasons I love it so much. I’m sure you’d enjoy it too.
Seen this about a few times now & it seems to get good comments.
Parrish,
The only complaints I’ve seen have been about it being too detailed – not something I worry about! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
As you know, I love a good narrative true crime story, so thanks for tipping me off about this one on Twitter. I think you are right — it sounds like something I’d appreciate. I’ve added it to my wishlist.
Kim, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
I recently read an article about this, and then I read this review. Great to know it got your nod of approval so I’m adding this to my wishlist now!
Mee, I think you’d really enjoy this one. I hope you find time to read it soon.
[…] People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry […]
Finished this a few weeks ago but only got around to writing a review. http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/467686793
You had me (with your review) at the first paragraph. And I didn’t want to read another word until I read it myself. Amused to see that we both recognized how well structured it is.
Fantastic read.
John, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. I don’t think I’ve ever been as impressed by the structure of a book before either. Henrietta Lacks is one of the few non fiction titles I’ve also loved. Let’s hope we can find a few more next year.
[…] by Richard Lloyd Perry and narrated by Simon Vance Genre: Non-Fiction, True Crime Why I Read It: Jackie raved about it and got me interested and I’ve been wanting to listen to a book by Simon Vance, who is […]
[…] first knew about the book when Jackie@Farmlane Book Blog gave it 5 […]
[…] People Who Eat Darkness is my favourite true-crime book so I was excited to read another of Richard Lloyd Parry’s books. Unfortunately In the Time of Madness wasn’t in the same league and I found the brutality too much to bear. […]
Glad I came and looked after your comment on my review. Great review. I love your quote about people taking “comfort in the certainty of moral judgements” to allay their own fear. I keep telling myself that next time I WON’T judge the minute I hear something shocking or incomprehensibel (to me)
Whispering Gums, That’s a great attitude to have! It’s so hard not to judge, but it is amazing what goes on behind the surface!
[…] these details after his death. The structure of this book was impressive. It reminded me of People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry, my favourite true-crime book, in that everything was laid out perfectly. New details were added at […]
[…] can be added to this book at a later date. Otherwise, I have no complaints. The Adversary joins People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry and A Mother’s Reckoning by Sue Klebold as one of the best pieces of true-crime I’ve […]