Nails and Eyes (Japanese Novellas) by Kaori Fujino

Pushkin Press. Paperback. NEW. In the haunting novel "Nails and Eyes," written by a prize-winning Japanese author, readers are transported into a world of tense and subtly disturbing literary horror. The story follows a young girl who experiences the tragic loss of her mother, only to have her father blindly invite his secret lover into their family home as a caretaker for her. As the young girl desperately attempts to create an immaculate life, the new presence in their home remains completely indifferent towards her. Unbeknownst to the oblivious father, the girl meticulously documents every move made by this mysterious interloper. It is only in the devastating climax that she realizes the multitude of things she has overlooked. With remarkable finesse, the author skillfully crafts a narrative that progressively intensifies, leading to a conclusion of unsettling power. "Nails and Eyes" delves into the depths of psychological turmoil and raises pertinent questions about perception and the consequences of our blindness to concealed truths. This exceptional piece of Japanese literature introduces a daring new voice whose literary prowess is evident throughout the book. Alongside the main narrative, the novel includes two additional stories that explore unsettled minds and evoke an atmosphere of creeping tension. The fusion of these three distinct tales creates an immersive reading experience that is certain to captivate and unsettle readers in equal measure. The central story of "Nails and Eyes" revolves around the young girl's desperate attempt to curate a perfect life following the loss of her mother. Her relentless pursuit of perfection becomes a form of escapism, a way to cope with the grief and absence she feels. However, her father's decision to introduce his secret lover disrupts this fragile equilibrium. The father, oblivious to the tension simmering in his own home, fails to grasp the complexity of the situation, unwittingly subjecting his daughter to emotional turmoil. As the young girl relentlessly observes the secret lover's every move, a chilling sense of foreboding permeates the narrative. Her documentation serves as a representation of her growing unease, her desperate need to understand this enigmatic presence who seems indifferent to her very existence. The author masterfully crafts an atmosphere of impending doom, building suspense and leaving readers on tenterhooks, eager to discover the extent of the young girl's discoveries. With its deeply psychological exploration of characters and their inner worlds, "Nails and Eyes" highlights the impact of our perceptions, or lack thereof, on the people and events around us. The narrative serves as a reminder that our interpretations of reality are subjective and influenced by our own biases, often blinding us to hidden truths. In this context, the young girl's realization of all she has failed to see becomes a poignant reflection on the limitations of human perception. Accompanying the main narrative are two additional stories that further showcase the author's literary prowess. These narratives delve into equally unsettling territory, exploring the minds of individuals grappling with inner demons. Through her deft storytelling, the author creates an atmosphere of creeping tension, making readers question their own realities and the intricacies of human nature. In conclusion, "Nails and Eyes" offers a thought-provoking and haunting reading experience. The author's ability to intricately weave together narratives filled with tension and psychological depth establishes her as a daring new voice in Japanese literature. With its exploration of perception, the consequences of blindness to hidden truths, and the unsettling nature of the human psyche, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.