I am pretty sure that many of the other readers who will find this book made their way here through the way of Haruki Murakami. However, if one is expecting literature like Murakami it is more in the vein of Ryu not Haruki. Whereas Haruki's characters tend to be antisocial, but have decent, if not outstanding, jobs and are able to carry on relationships with the opposite sex, Nakagami's characters are from the edge of society: they are garbage collectors and laborers who work from dawn to evening. They are also extremely abusive to others. This is a good book, but don't expect a happy book. The themes of most of the stories deal with poverty and oppression of past events. If you find a copy do yourself a favor and read it.

Much more varied and intelligent than the other Nakagami book. Really shocking and moving at the same time.

This translation of Nakagami's "The Cape" (among other stories) is a joy to read. Eve Zimmerman includes a family tree to help you understand where to place Nakagami's numerous complex characters. This story is as engaging and detailed as you'll ever see. A true joy to read.