Book Review EP: #1
Confessions by Kanae Minato
It tells the story of a middle school teacher who gives her last sermon to her student before retiring and enacting her revenge on the students that caused the death of her daughter. The book was pretty good and the story telling was different from what I’m used to but I got the actual meaning of when people call a narrative unreliable based on who tells it. A lot of twists if you actually listen deeply to the characters.
Stars⭐️: 3/5
would’ve loved a better ending but the story telling was pretty good and had my jaw on the floor each revelation.
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Reading 'Confessions' by Kanae Minato opened my eyes to just how powerful unreliable narration can be in storytelling. The book's premise—a middle school teacher seeking revenge on students responsible for her daughter's death—sets a chilling tone, but it’s the subtle layers in the characters’ perspectives that truly hook you. At first, I was skeptical about the plot's twists, but as the story unfolded, I found myself constantly reevaluating what I believed to be true, which kept me genuinely engaged. Kanae Minato’s writing style contrasts with many Western thrillers I am used to; it’s more introspective, focused on psychological depth rather than mere action. This approach made the story feel more intimate and unsettling. One thing that stood out was how the narrative forces readers to listen deeply and question the reliability of each character’s account—a technique that mirrors the complexity of human memory and bias. While I rated the book 3 out of 5 stars, primarily due to a somewhat unsatisfying ending, the journey itself was compelling. The ‘last sermon’ concept adds a poetic dimension to the story, making it a reflection on grief, justice, and the consequences of revenge. For those interested in international bestsellers that offer a fresh take on the thriller genre, 'Confessions' is a captivating choice. It also made me appreciate works like those referenced in the OCR, such as comparisons to Albert Camus or dark teenage dramas like 'Heathers,' highlighting its unique blend of existential themes and dark humor. Overall, if you’re intrigued by narratives that challenge your perspective and keep you guessing till the end, this book is worth diving into—just be prepared for an ending that might leave you wanting more closure.
