About the Author
Ryū Murakami
ISBN 9781908968470
Rs. 800
Pushkin Press
Coin Locker Babies
Who it's for: Readers of contemporary Japanese fiction and surreal narratives
"Coin Locker Babies" follows Kiku and Hashi, two boys abandoned at birth in adjacent train station lockers. After a tumultuous youth in an orphanage and on a remote island, they journey to Tokyo's shadowy underworld, particularly the enigmatic Toxitown, to confront the mothers who rejected them. Their paths diverge dramatically: one transforms into a charismatic rock singer, while the other, a pole vaulter, pursues his revenge alongside his girlfriend, a model who shares her home with a pet crocodile.Why You Should Read? Explores profound themes of abandonment, identity, and revenge within a surreal narrative. Offers a gritty and unconventional depiction of late-20th-century Tokyo's fringe society. Features complex, unforgettable characters navigating extreme psychological and physical landscapes. Presents a distinctive and challenging voice in contemporary Japanese literature.
Highlights
- Follows two boys abandoned at birth in train station lockers
- Set in Tokyo's shadowy underworld, including the enigmatic Toxitown
- One protagonist becomes a rock singer, the other a pole vaulter seeking revenge
- Includes a girlfriend who keeps a pet crocodile
- Explores themes of abandonment, identity, and revenge
- Gritty depiction of late-20th-century Tokyo fringe society
Themes
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12 detailsAbout the author
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Questions about this book
What is the book about?
It follows Kiku and Hashi, two boys abandoned at birth in train station lockers, as they grow up and later journey to Tokyo's underworld to confront their mothers.
Who are the main characters?
The main characters are Kiku and Hashi. Kiku becomes a rock singer, while Hashi is a pole vaulter who seeks revenge with his girlfriend, a model with a pet crocodile.
What themes does the book explore?
It explores themes of abandonment, identity, and revenge, set against a surreal and gritty backdrop of Tokyo's fringe society.
Is this book suitable for young readers?
The book is categorized as general fiction and deals with mature themes, so it is likely intended for adult readers.