Nagasaki is an understated, unobtrusive little novel. It's unobtrusive
tranquil nature mirrors that of it's two central characters Shimura Kobo and
his uninvited house guest. Neither character is entirely comfortable in the
modern world, and neither has made any real connections with society. That
seems to be the main message of the novel; that loneliness and a lack of
connections with society can creep up on you.
There are many ambiguities about this story, Shimura is
upset by the intrusion into his life and private space, and yet is unwilling to
condemn the woman when it comes to trial. He briefly feels enough of a
connection towards his unknown intruder to want to warn her after he has called
the police. He even imagines her as his wife for a short period. At the same
time the woman understands that she is intruding into his home and yet feels
she has a right to do so as it was her home as a child.
If you want a story with a clear message then, probably this
is the wrong book to choose; but if you can savour the ambiguity and shifting
nature of a strangely compelling little story try this one.
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