The Final Curtain by Keigo Higashino: Book Review

In the intricate world of detective fiction, few authors manage to leave an indelible mark with their unique narrative style and psychological depth. Among these distinguished names, Keigo Higashino stands out, especially in his homeland of Japan, where he has become the pre-eminent writer of detective novels. “The Final Curtain” not only adds another brilliant chapter to Higashino’s illustrious career but also concludes the journey of one of his most beloved characters, Detective Kyoichiro Kaga. This novel, while serving as the chronological finale of the Kaga series, promises readers that there are still untold stories awaiting translation, keeping the anticipation alive for fans worldwide.

What is The Final Curtain book about?

“The Final Curtain” by Keigo Higashino concludes the Detective Kaga series with a narrative that intertwines a poignant personal story with a complex murder investigation. As Detective Kyoichiro Kaga delves into a case linked to his mother’s past and her abandonment, the novel explores themes of familial estrangement, the search for truth, and the enduring impact of personal history on the present.

The narrative of “The Final Curtain” commences with a scene that could be straight out of a film, a medium that has often borrowed from Higashino’s richly woven narratives. We find Detective Kaga at a pivotal moment in his life—collecting his mother’s ashes, a woman who had abandoned him and his father when he was just an eleven-year-old child. This deeply personal beginning sets the tone for a story that intertwines Kaga’s unresolved feelings about his past with a complex investigation involving a series of murders. The connection between these murders and Kaga’s mother, Yuriko Tajima, through a series of cryptic clues, including a calendar annotated with bridge names and the shadowy figure of a theatre director, unfolds with the elegance and precision that are hallmarks of Higashino’s writing.

“Fuel ain’t the only thing nuclear power stations need. Those places, they eat up uranium, but they also eat up people. That’s how they keep going. Oh yeah, they need their human sacrifices. We manual laborers, we have the life sucked out of us. You can see it. Just look at me. I’m scrap, scum, leftovers.”
― Keigo Higashino, The Final Curtain

What sets “The Final Curtain” apart is not just the intricate plot or the suspense of the whodunit, which Higashino unravels with his characteristic finesse, but the profound exploration of character psychologies. Higashino’s detectives, particularly Kaga, possess an uncanny ability to read the subtleties of human behavior—stray looks, suspicious gestures, over-familiar conversations—transforming these into windows into the soul. This psychological acuity, which Higashino weaves seamlessly into the fabric of the investigation, lends a depth to the narrative that transcends the conventional boundaries of the genre. It is this nuanced understanding of human nature and motivation, rendered with a light touch that has been likened to “Freud on a holiday,” that has come to define Higashino’s work and endear him to a global audience.

The return of Detective Kaga in “The Final Curtain” is a moment of triumph, both for the character and for Higashino. Following the relatively lukewarm reception of “A Death in Tokyo,” this novel marks a return to form, showcasing Higashino at his best—crafting a narrative that is as compelling as it is contemplative. Kaga, as a character, remains largely unchanged, embodying Higashino’s belief in the constancy of human nature. This steadfastness, the novel suggests, is essential for those in the business of solving crimes, for it is their unchanging nature that allows them to understand and anticipate the fluidity of human behavior.

“As Ms. Miyamoto probably told you, in the end, rather than death, she chose to start a second life in the city of Sendai. The expression she used when describing her life to me was of “a life that was equal parts remorse and gratitude.” On the one hand, she felt that, having abandoned her husband and son, she’d no right to go on living. On the other hand, she felt acutely grateful that the people she’d encountered in this unfamiliar place were so willing to help. I suspect—and I don’t think I’m imagining things—that the act of leaving home actually helped alleviate the symptoms of her depression.”
― Keigo Higashino, The Final Curtain

Higashino’s ability to incorporate multiple story arcs without overwhelming the reader is another testament to his skill as a storyteller. “The Final Curtain” navigates through these various strands with ease, allowing each subplot the space to breathe and contribute to the overarching narrative. The inclusion of themes such as Japan’s nuclear history and its impact on individuals demonstrates Higashino’s commitment to embedding his stories within the broader social and historical context of Japan. This grounding in reality, combined with the exploration of universal themes such as familial estrangement and the quest for peace, gives the novel a richness and relevance that extends beyond the immediate mystery.

The novel’s resolution, while satisfying the demands of the genre, also invites reflection on the nature of justice and the complexities of human relationships. Detective Kaga’s journey is as much about solving the mystery of the murders as it is about coming to terms with his own past and the figure of his mother. The revelations that emerge, linking the present-day crimes to Yuriko’s disappearance years ago, are handled with sensitivity and insight, highlighting Higashino’s skill in weaving personal histories into the fabric of his mysteries.

“The Final Curtain” is, in many ways, a fitting end to the Detective Kaga series. It encapsulates the strengths of Higashino’s writing—his intricate plotting, deep psychological insight, and the seamless blending of personal and procedural elements. Yet, it also leaves the door open for more stories, a nod to the vast universe Higashino has created and the enduring appeal of his characters. For fans of the series and newcomers alike, the novel offers a compelling blend of mystery, emotion, and intellectual stimulation, making it a standout entry in the genre of detective fiction.

Moreover, Higashino’s exploration of the consequences of Japan’s reliance on nuclear energy adds a layer of socio-political commentary to the narrative. Through the experiences of characters who have worked in the nuclear industry, Higashino highlights the human cost of technological progress, adding depth to the novel’s exploration of crime and guilt. This thematic richness is a hallmark of Higashino’s work, showcasing his ability to engage with complex issues within the confines of a detective story.

The translation of “The Final Curtain” into English, while occasionally veering into a British idiom, succeeds in capturing the melancholic undercurrents of the story, preserving the novel’s essence and the subtleties of its character dynamics. This ability to translate not just the language but the emotional and cultural nuances of the original is crucial in bringing Higashino’s work to an international audience, allowing readers around the world to appreciate the depth and complexity of his storytelling.

“The Final Curtain” is more than just a detective novel; it is a profound exploration of the human condition, a meditation on the themes of loss, guilt, and the search for redemption. Higashino’s narrative craftsmanship, his attention to detail, and his psychological insight make this novel a compelling read and a worthy conclusion to the Detective Kaga series. As the final page turns, readers are left with a sense of satisfaction at the resolution of the mystery, but also a lingering contemplation of the deeper themes at play. Higashino proves once again why he is regarded as a master of the genre, delivering a novel that is both intellectually engaging and deeply moving. “The Final Curtain” is not just a high point in the Kaga series, but a standout work in the landscape of contemporary detective fiction, underscoring Higashino’s place as a writer of exceptional talent and insight.