I remember writing my BA thesis in literature about this book, and my professor was very angry about that. He kept asking WHY I had to study Japanese literature. And I was like.... "yeah its the third biggest bookmarket in the world" (which it was at that time at least). But that wasn't reason enough for the academics XD (I'm Swedish btw). I still have Out in my bookshelf, the japanese, english and swedish version. I Know Natsuo Kirino (which isn't the authors real name, I think) also wrote a fantasy book about a young woman, I wanted to read it but didn't have the time. It's still on my TBR. How fun to se someone talking about Out now. I had the original cover. a white face with a knife, It is very striking! Love that cover.
This story makes me so angry at your professor! How ridiculous! And yeah, you’re right. Kirino’s actual name is Mariko Hashioka. I’m really excited to read all of her other stuff, including the fantasy one you mentioned. Have you read her other stuff like Grotesque and Real World? I’ve seen the original cover but I’m not the biggest fan of people on covers. Plus I’ve been collecting the Japanese collection, which this book is a part of. Anyway, thanks for sharing your story! In what context did you talk about Out?
I don’t have much to say but I loved this review and I hope to see and hear more from you and this channel! This is the booktube I’ve been looking for!
You make this sound super tempting, but since my wife's stroke I don't have the stomach for dark stuff that gets super gritty anymore, so I know if I try it I'll get punished . . . but you make it sound so tempting . . . awesome review!