The Changeling
The Changeling by Kenzaburō Ōe, published by Grove Press in 2010, is a translation reprint that spans 468 pages. This novel introduces Kogito Choko, a writer in his early sixties, who rekindles a childhood friendship with his estranged brother-in-law, Goro Hanawa, a renowned filmmaker. The narrative begins when Goro sends Kogito a trunk of recorded reflections about their friendship, leading to a shocking revelation that propels Kogito into a profound exploration of loss and memory.
As Kogito listens to Goro’s tapes, he is confronted with the tragic circumstances surrounding Goro’s suicide, which prompts him to embark on a journey to understand the motivations behind this act. This quest takes him from the forests of southern Japan to the streets of Berlin, where he grapples with the complexities of friendship and the haunting memories of his past. The themes of psychological introspection and the intricacies of human relationships are woven throughout the narrative, offering readers a deep dive into the emotional landscape of Kogito’s life.
Official synopsis Publisher
Oe introduces Kogito Choko, a writer in his early sixties, as he rekindles a childhood friendship with his estranged brother-in-law, the renowned filmmaker Goro Hanawa. Goro sends Kogito a trunk of tapes he has recorded of reflections about their friendship, but as Kogito is listening one night, he hears something odd. “I’m going to head over to the Other Side now,” Goro says, and then Kogito hears a loud thud. After a moment of silence, Goro’s voice continues: “But don’t worry, I’m not going to stop communicating with you.” Moments later, Kogito’s wife rushes in; Goro has jumped to his death. With that, Kogito begins a far-ranging search to understand what drove his brother-in-law to suicide. His quest takes him from the forests of southern Japan to the washed-out streets of Berlin, where Kogito confronts the ghosts from his own past and that of his lifelong, but departed, friend.
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