Piercing [Japanese Edition] (Japanese) Paperback Bunko – 1997

This books sears its way into the psyche: compelling characters that imaginatively fuse murderous impulses and human pathos. I couldn't put it down until it was finished; it was a wild and fascinating ride from beginning to end. Despite all the depravity and issues of abuse (along with its fallout), I felt great sympathy for these two lost souls fated to collide. This is a memorable and riveting piece of fiction and I was thrilled to find out that there's now a film version, starring Mia Wasikowska, waiting for release. Ryu Murakami is a twisted master at exploring the darker realms of the soul - his voice is unique.

It's not a SCARY novel like ghost crazed psycho story. "Piercing" has a deeper meaning and well titled. It's actually a really tragic/sad story of survival of everyday (every moment even) experienced by ppl who endured harm in their childhood. Their past manifests itself in destructive ways so they can't feel "normal" they have normal moments then they relapse into their twisted emotions of their tragic past. They have to keep pretending to be normal, they can allow themselves to be loved or be healthy and happy, but only for fleeting moments whether it's months, days or hours. I appreciated the ending. Because................spoiler....,,,.......,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,After the story ends They will continue to live on as nothing have changed... they will live on haunted forever by their past...maybe he will try to succeed at doing "it" next try a month later a week later a year later? And her, well... she's just a mess.

Sometimes graphic, often disturbing, and full of the twists one would expect to see from Ryu Murakami - but still never really see coming!! Well worth the price, and well worth the time to read - a fascinating little slice of life book. People who know what it's like to be haunted by childhood trauma will find themselves wanting to read this book more than once.

Piercing is about a man, a woman, and a sharp object. It reads fast. It jabs fast. And the writer doesn't care how you feel about it. I'm not going to bother tracing out the plot, because accepting or rejecting Ryu Murakami's work depends more on how perverse you find the world.In Japan, a shame-based society preoccupied with public image, Murakami's serial-murder of literary normality has been a relief to people exhausted by the old culture of tip-toeing around the truth. If you're like me and have lost the ability to digest the mind-f--k propaganda of our own sugar-and-caffeine culture, Piercing is a welcomed breath of raw air. Murakami hides nothing, he fakes nothing, he lies about nothing. His morality is grounded only in exposure. His treatment forces you to pay attention ... or run away.Many readers, both Japanese and American, will undoubtedly continue to misunderstand Murakami's work -- or will simply be repulsed by it. But he isn't writing for these readers. He writes for those of us trying to get beyond too much Hollywood fluff, too little coffee in our Starbucks cream shakes, and an over abundance of commercially-conditioned, puritanically-correct, life-affirming values, none of which comfort the tortured souls in Piercing.Having read several of Ryu Murakami's novels, Piercing is one of my favorites.

I enjoyed this book immensely!While the book has triggers for childhood abuse and violence, its amazing the innocence and discovery the author brings forth in his characters. Its truly an exploration into the psyche of abuse survivors, when things go horribly awry.Suggested for people who enjoy psychology, crime, and thrillers.

This was a great read, it was pretty crazy, but really well done. I highly recommend to anyone interested in a psychological thriller quick read.

I found this book on a list of top horror books, I was curious enough to buy it and man am I glad I did. I thought it was a quick read, it took me 2 days to finish it, very intriguing story.

Chilling psychological thriller that explores the depth of human madness and our destructive nature. Murakami has easily became one of my favorite authors