Written by Banana Yoshimoto, an essential and famous Japanese author known for her expressive works that portray vast, raw, realistic emotion, femininity, and psychological themes like those utilized in her book Kitchen (1988). This book is a work of fiction. Banana Yoshimoto published NP on December 25, 1990. Translated into English in 1994 by a translator named Ann Sherif. This book covers heavy topics and may be hard for some to read.
NP ( named after an old, sad song called “North Point” within NP’s fictional universe ) is the name of this particular novel, as well as the name of the 98th story of a story anthology within the world of this book. It is about a renowned yet crazed fictional Japanese author named Sarao Takase, who commits suicide after writing his novel NP. The story was written in English and said to be cursed. All who try to translate it end up killing themselves one way or another. One of which include Shoji, who is the boyfriend of the main character Kazami Kano. Haunted by the death of her beloved Shoji and the memories he leaves behind, she becomes a research assistant for an English professor and becomes obsessed with NP. Four years later, Kazami has a chance encounter with the kids of Takase. Two twins named Saki and Otohiko and the narcissistic sister and twisted girlfriend of Otohiko, Sui. They all become consumed by NP, while their lives and experiences become entwined with the true nature of NP and the shockingly beautiful yet crazy events that occur and elaborate on the condition of humanity.
NP is fascinating yet equally perplexing and thought-provoking at times. We are reading the book as the characters are reading it, In English. I found that very interesting, almost like we are reading NP on how the characters are reading the story. There is so much going on at once that you will be on the edge of your seat. It will put you on a roller coaster of suspense and confusion about the characters. The use of vivid imagery and writing makes the reader feel like they are watching this story play out in front of them and immerses them into Japan and the elaborate tale. The characters are people you could see. They are just as flawed, intricate, and conflicted. You will feel strong emotions and varying levels of dislike or sympathy towards the characters. They were able to lace together reality and fiction in an indiscernible way that was beautiful. This book covered many topics that people stray from lesbianism, incest, the occult, religion, suicide, the supernatural, telepathy, psychological manipulation, human nature, etc. Is Kano deeply in love with Saki? Would her feelings for Saki have developed if Shoji decided not to commit suicide? Did Saki feel the same way about Kano? I like to believe that Saki and Kano can stay together, run away and build a new life for each other. I also wonder if Takase and Otohiko did not commit incestuous actions, would their family still end up as broken? This book has affected my decision-making skills and logic. Examining the impact and choices of the characters, I will try to think about my decisions and the long-term impact they have on me and the well-being of others.
I recommend that you come into reading NP with an open mind. This book can be off-putting at times and hard to read due to some of the topics covered. It may also be frustrating at times due to the personalities and situations occurring in the book. I will give a trigger warning for future readers. Overall, This book is a great quick read that will broaden your horizons and teach you about yourself and humanity.
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