Keigo Higashino’s “Malice” presents a riveting tale that transcends the conventional boundaries of the mystery genre, offering a profound exploration of human emotions, the intricacies of interpersonal relationships, and the dark undercurrents that can drive individuals to commit unthinkable acts. At its core, the novel revolves around the murder of Kunihiko Hidaka, a celebrated novelist, on the eve of his departure from Japan to Vancouver. This event sets the stage for a meticulously crafted narrative that delves deep into the psyches of its characters, unraveling a complex web of motives, secrets, and lies.
What is Malice by Kiego Higashino about?
“Malice” by Keigo Higashino is a gripping murder mystery that explores the complex relationship between a famous novelist found dead and his best friend, under the investigation of Detective Kaga. Set in Japan, it delves into themes of envy, deceit, and the dark side of human nature, as secrets unravel in a twist-filled plot.
The discovery of Hidaka’s body by his wife, Rie, and his friend, Osamu Nonoguchi, a modestly successful children’s book author, triggers an investigation led by Detective Kyochiro Kaga, a former teacher colleague of Nonoguchi’s. The personal history between Kaga and Nonoguchi adds a layer of depth to the investigation, as their shared past and divergent paths in life provide Kaga with unique insights into the potential dynamics at play.
“The relationship between teacher and student is based on illusion. The teacher is under the illusion that he is teaching something, and the student is under the illusion that he is being taught. What’s important is that this shared illusion makes both teacher and student happy. Nothing good is gained by facing the truth, after all. All we’re doing is playing at education.”
― Malice
Higashino skillfully employs a dual narration technique, alternating between Osamu Nonoguchi’s and Detective Kaga’s perspectives. This narrative choice not only enriches the story but also plays a crucial role in engaging the reader in an intellectual game of cat and mouse, where the truth is always just out of reach. The reliability of Nonoguchi as a narrator is persistently questioned, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue that compels the reader to sift through the presented facts and testimonies to uncover the truth.
The theme of creation is central to “Malice,” not just in the literal sense of the characters’ professions as writers but also in the figurative sense of the killer’s actions. The murderer, in this narrative, becomes a creator of sorts, fabricating scenarios and crafting alibis to mislead the investigation. This manipulation of reality highlights the power of storytelling, not only to entertain or enlighten but also to deceive and manipulate. Detective Kaga’s struggle against this manipulation underscores the novel’s exploration of truth and the lengths to which individuals will go to conceal it.
“He wanted to know what the current trends were. What were people reading? What did I think about the decline in reading overall?
I told him that the books aimed at children and teens that were selling were the ones the Ministry of Education had promoted as ‘library recommendations’, and that the decline in reading among children was largely the fault of their parents.
‘Parents these days don’t read books themselves, but they feel they should make their children read. Since they aren’t readers, they have no idea what to give their children. That’s why they cling to the recommendations from the Ministry of Education. Those books are all insufferably boring and, as a result, the kids learn to hate books; it’s a vicious circle, with no end in sight.”
― Malice
Higashino’s portrayal of his characters is remarkably nuanced, offering a glimpse into their deepest fears, desires, and insecurities. The narrative does not shy away from tackling themes such as bullying, jealousy, and the pressures of creative and professional success, yet it approaches these issues with a detached, almost clinical precision. This detachment allows Higashino to explore the impact of these themes on his characters without sensationalizing their experiences. It underscores the universality of these issues, suggesting that despite cultural differences, the human experience is fundamentally the same across the globe.
“Malice” unfolds in a deliberate, measured pace, eschewing the dramatic twists and sudden revelations that often characterize mystery novels. Instead, Higashino opts for a more subtle and intricate plot development, gradually peeling back the layers of the story to reveal the complex motivations and histories of his characters. This approach not only maintains the suspense but also allows for a deeper engagement with the narrative, as readers are invited to piece together the puzzle alongside Detective Kaga.
The novel’s exploration of the psychology of murder and the dynamics of the relationship between Hidaka and Nonoguchi is particularly compelling. Through Detective Kaga’s investigation, Higashino delves into the past shared by the two writers, revealing a tangled web of rivalry, dependency, and resentment that challenges the initial perceptions of their friendship. This exploration of the darker aspects of human relationships and the capacity for malice within seemingly ordinary individuals sets “Malice” apart as a profound study of the human condition.
“Everyone has secrets. And everyone has the right to keep them. Even if they’re dead.”
― Malice
Comparisons to other mystery writers, while inevitable, fail to capture the unique qualities of Higashino’s writing. Labels such as “the Japanese Stieg Larsson” do little justice to Higashino’s distinctive narrative voice and his ability to weave complex psychological and emotional themes into his mysteries. “Malice” is not merely a crime novel; it is a meditation on the nature of creativity, the corrosive effects of envy and jealousy, and the elusive quest for truth.
“Malice” stands as a testament to Keigo Higashino’s mastery of the mystery genre and his unparalleled ability to infuse his narratives with depth and complexity. Through its intricate plot, compelling character development, and thoughtful exploration of thematic elements, the novel offers readers a rich and rewarding experience that goes far beyond the simple satisfaction of solving a crime. Higashino challenges his audience to consider the profound implications of our actions and the often indistinguishable line between truth and deception. “Malice” is not just a novel to be read; it is a narrative to be experienced, pondered, and ultimately, remembered.