Lady Joker, Volume 1

Discover the gripping narrative of 'Lady Joker, Volume 1', a masterful work by acclaimed Japanese author Kaoru Takamura, now available in English for the first time. Set in Tokyo during 1995, this compelling novel immerses you in the lives of five disparate men who, despite their differences, unite at a racetrack, reflecting the socio-economic challenges and emotional turmoil of post-War Japan. Each character - a misunderstood genius, a disenchanted detective, a discriminated banker, a struggling single father, and an elderly mourning grandfather - embodies the resilience and despair of a society riddled with inequality.

As they navigate their discontent, these men plot an audacious heist to kidnap the CEO of Japan's largest beer conglomerate, aiming to reclaim dignity and fight against a system that prioritizes corporate profits over human life. 'Lady Joker' draws inspiration from the infamous unsolved kidnapping case associated with 'the Monster with 21 Faces', offering readers a mix of intrigue, suspense, and poignant social commentary.

With 600 pages of nuanced storytelling, 'Lady Joker, Volume 1' is more than just a novel; it's a cultural phenomenon and a vital part of modern Japanese literature, often discussed and analyzed in academic settings. Don’t miss your chance to delve into one of Japan's literary treasures, acclaimed for its depth and complexity. Ideal for fans of true crime stories, literary fiction, and those interested in the socio-political landscape of Japan. Order now and enjoy FREE shipping, making it easy to add this essential read to your collection.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781616957018
Format: Paper over boards
Year: 2021
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE US
Pages: 600


Description:
One of Japan's great modern masters, Kaoru Takamura, makes her English-language debut with this two-volume publication of her magnum opus.

Tokyo, 1995. Five men meet at the racetrack every Sunday to bet on horses. They have little in common except a deep disaffection with their lives, but together they represent the social struggles and griefs of post-War Japan- a poorly socialized genius stuck working as a welder; a demoted detective with a chip on his shoulder; a Zainichi Korean banker sick of being ostracized for his race; a struggling single dad of a teenage girl with Down syndrome. The fifth man bringing them all together is an elderly drugstore owner grieving his grandson, who has died suspiciously after the revelation of a family connection with the segregated buraku community, historically subjected to severe discrimination.

Intent on revenge against a society that values corporate behemoths more than human life, the five conspirators decide to carry out a heist- kidnap the CEO of Japan's largest beer conglomerate and extract blood money from the company's corrupt financiers.

Inspired by the unsolved true-crime kidnapping case perpetrated by "the Monster with 21 Faces," Lady Joker has become a cultural touchstone since its 1997 publication, acknowledged as the magnum opus by one of Japan's literary masters, twice adapted for film and TV and often taught in high school and college classrooms.


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