Thursday, 8th July 2010, 7.00pm

Chutney & Lager
43-51 Great Titchfield Street
London W1W 7PQ

Free for Japan Society members
Please email the office if you plan to attend

The book for discussion at this meeting is Out by Natsuo Kirino. The book club itself is conducted in English but members can choose the language in which they read the book.

This mesmerizing novel tells the story of a brutal murder in the staid Tokyo suburbs, as a young mother who works the night shift making boxed lunches strangles her abusive husband and then seeks the help of her co-workers to dispose of the body and cover up her crime. The coolly intelligent Masako emerges as the plot’s ringleader, but quickly discovers that this killing is merely the beginning, as it leads to a terrifying foray into the violent underbelly of Japanese society.

At once a masterpiece of literary suspense and pitch-black comedy of gender warfare, Out is also a moving evocation of the pressures and prejudices that drive women to extreme deeds, and the friendships that bolster them in the aftermath.

The Japan Society book club is held on the second Thursday of the month. There is no restriction on the nationality of the authors read, but books should be available in translation in both Japanese and English. The discussion is conducted mainly in English, but you can choose the language in which you read the book. The intention is simple; to explore the themes of the book, express personal opinions on the style and content, discuss how the book has changed (or not) in translation and to have a relaxed discussion with others who have similar interests.

The book club is informal and any member is welcome to attend. However, so that we can look out for you, please us know if you plan to come by email to events@japansociety.org.uk or tel: 020 7828 6330.