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| Afraid of Japan yet? You will be.. |
Michael Crichton’s novel about the Japanese business
presence in the United States is an interesting read for any who have curiosity
about foreigners here in America. It’s
not your typical science fiction thriller he is famous for writing but rather a
murder mystery involving high end Japanese businessmen in Los Angeles. The more I read his novels the more I
appreciate what knowledge I’m being instilled with, although a work of fiction
he always incorporates as many facts into the story as possible.
The
story centers on a liaison for the Japanese who ends up investigating a
mysterious murder a couple floors above a party for the Nakamoto
Corporation. The liaison gets help from
an older man who has been around these types of events during his own
career. Together they set out to find
the truth as any true detective would be obliged to do. The most fascinating aspect of the book is
learning the business tactics of the Japanese and how they feel superior to
Americans. The Japanese pride themselves
on having the best technology and working tediously to stay ahead of everyone
else in that field. They buy out any
American company they can to get more of a foothold in this country. If you don’t know much about the Japanese
culture this is a page turner that will put some interesting thoughts into your
brain with no doubts.
As the
two men quickly try to unravel what happened on the night of the murder they
ultimately focus their attention on video tapes that recorded it. You learn some about video tapes and what
they’re capable of as well which is a neat addition to what’s going on in the
story. It ends up being all about
putting pressure on everyone through all sorts of devious acts that culminates
in more of a worthy ending for a Crichton novel. Its true some of his stories don’t wrap up so
nicely but the ride throughout is enough to overshadow it. After finishing the book you either hate the
Japanese or realize how inadequate Americans really are in this day in
age. The book shows the good and bad
side of the Japanese in a way that makes you want to improve yourself as a
result. I know at least I did.
I’ve
never seen the movie that corresponds with this book but I’m more eager to now
that I’ve read this book. If you’re into
murder and mystery along with trying to figure it all out in a fast paced
sequence of events then this will please you most likely. Crichton has a style that really makes me be
able to relate to the character(s) in the story. He seems to always have at least one person
that is simply an everyday type that is thrust into some unforeseen event. It makes you wonder what you would do if put
in that same situation. It’s a short
read as well so take some time during your busy schedule or make it your bathroom
reading material for the next week as you relieve yourself.
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