Zaregoto Novel Review
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By nisio isin, 西尾 維新
10 volumes
2002
Description
It’s the vacation of a lifetime, a trip to a remote island filled with geniuses and mu*der. On Wet Crow’s Feather Island, a tiny speck in the Sea of Japan, lives Akagami Iria, the exiled daughter of a powerful family. Born into great wealth, she was a princess of the highest pedigree–until she was cut off by the leader of the Akagami Foundation. For the last five years, she’s lived on Feather Island with her maids. But she hasn’t been alone. She has invited the best minds Japan has to offer to come and stay with her. And so nineteen-year-old college student Ii-chan and his best friend, computer genius Kunagisa Tomo, find themselves as Iria’s guests at her elaborate mansion. Surrounded by fascinating women–a chef, a fortune-teller, a scholar, and an artist, not to mention his own friend Tomo–Ii-chan is feeling a little overmatched intellectually. But the sudden discovery of a grisly mu*der sends the island into shock. And Ii-chan discovers that he does possess a bit of genius: the ability to discover what is real and what is fake… who is who they claim to be–and who is a killer.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- kodansha
- English Publisher
- vertical
- Original Language
- japanese
- Type
- Light Novel
Zaregoto Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on Zaregoto
Alright, let's dive into the wonderfully weird world of Zaregoto. I've spent some time soaking in this series, and I have to say, it's quite the experience. It's definitely not a novel for the faint of heart, and it demands your attention, but the payoff can be pretty rewarding.
First Impressions
My initial impression was that this series shares a lot of DNA with Monogatari, which makes sense given the author. You've got an apathetic protagonist, a cast of eccentric characters (mostly female, let's be honest), and a central mystery that slowly unravels through dialogue and bizarre situations. It's a bit like falling down a rabbit hole of philosophical nonsense, but in the best way possible.
What Works Well
What I appreciate most about Zaregoto is its commitment to exploring the human psyche. The author isn't afraid to delve into complex themes like motivation, the ordinary versus the extraordinary, and the nature of truth itself. The unreliable narrator, known only as "I," adds another layer of intrigue. You're constantly questioning his perspective, which keeps you on your toes. I also really enjoy the unique and advanced world-building that's slowly revealed throughout the volumes. Things like the Great Families and Humanity's Strongest Contractor add a layer of intrigue that keeps me coming back for more.
Areas of Concern
I'll admit, Zaregoto isn't perfect. The series can be a bit uneven at times. Some volumes are definitely stronger than others, and the focus can shift in ways that might not appeal to everyone. Also, some characters, like Tomo Kunagisa, can feel underdeveloped or even frustratingly perfect. I found that sometimes the author relies too heavily on the "genius" aspect of her character without giving her enough depth.
Click "Reveal" to show spoiler content
Final Verdict
Despite its flaws, Zaregoto is a series that has stuck with me. It's a unique blend of mystery, psychological exploration, and philosophical absurdity. If you're looking for something that challenges your expectations and isn't afraid to get weird, I'd definitely recommend giving it a try. Just be prepared to pay attention, embrace the nonsense, and question everything. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
