Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
FSG Originals (2012), Edition: Reprint, 454 pages
Description
True Crime. Nonfiction. HTML: Lucie Blackman�tall, blond, twenty-one years old�stepped out into the vastness of Tokyo in the summer of 2000 and disappeared. The following winter, her dismembered remains were found buried in a seaside cave. The seven months in between had seen a massive search for the missing girl involving Japanese policemen, British private detectives, and Lucie's desperate but bitterly divided parents. Had Lucie been abducted by a religious cult or snatched by human traffickers? Who was the mysterious man she had gone to meet? And what did her work as a hostess in the notorious Roppongi district of Tokyo really involve? Richard Lloyd Parry, an award-winning foreign correspondent, followed the case from the beginning. Over the course of a decade, as the rest of the world forgot but the trial dragged on, he traveled to four continents to interview those connected with the story, assiduously followed the court proceedings, and won unique access to the Japanese detectives who investigated the case. Ultimately he earned the respect of the victim's family and delved deep into the mind and background of the man accused of the crime�Joji Obara, described by the judge as "unprecedented and extremely evil." The result is a book at once thrilling and revelatory..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member maritimer
Surely the best of the true crime genre must have elements that make it worth reading, like compelling forensic work, or fascinating legal procedures, or sympathetic friends and family of a victim who have much invested in an investigation's outcome, or even just plain good writing that pulls you
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in. People who eat Darkness, which is the story of an especially heartless crime, has none of these redeeming qualities. The Tokyo policework is plodding, enigmatic, and incompetent. The Japanese legal system is farcically obtuse and wholly incompatible and unfamiliar with the concept of reasonable doubt. It gives a whole new meaning to "justice is blind". This trial alone, even without the appeals, lasted six years. The victim's family is epically unhappy and unsympathetic even before the tragedy. The father is especially creepy, accepting one million dollars from the man who raped, murdered, and dismembered his daughter, a transaction for which the author essentially gives him a pass and instead admonishes the reader to judge not, that ye not be judged. As for the writing, it is listless and uninterested and whatever the opposite of incisive is. It reads like the author was himself tired of, and wanting nothing more than to be free of, this miserable tale. Show Less
LibraryThing member peggygillman
The Times and Amazon readers went ga-ga over this book. I thought it was well done but I wasn’t blown out of the water by it. It is the story of Lucie Blackman who was killed in Japan by a truly horrible man. It did a good job of detailing the Japanese criminal system and the culture in which
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this murder took place. 6/28 Show Less
LibraryThing member LiteraryLinda
This book is 434 pages and has notes and an index. It is very sad for all those involved. It was an interesting read even though there is a lot of detail. Due to the country involved this detail is necessary. The reporter did a good job writing the story and bravely included what happened to him
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because of his reporting. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheLoopyLibrarian
I saw some buzz about this book when reading blogs and emails. As a true crime aficionado, I was immediately interested. One reviewer even compared People Who Eat Darkness to Truman Capote's In Cold Blood (a personal favorite of mine). Oddly, when I went to the bookstore, I found the book in the
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biography section instead of true crime. There was only one copy left, and it had obviously been read by someone drinking a frappe. I bought it anyway, and I was not disappointed. Parry, an investigative journalist, used all his skill and expertise in his research. He also handled the victims' families with empathy and delicacy. It was an engrossing, enlightening read, and I highly recommend it for fans of true crime even though it is so much more. The book explores class issues, racism, Japanese culture, and family dynamics. It is haunting and memorable. Show Less
LibraryThing member missizicks
This was a very factual, unsalacious, sensitive account of a sad and bizarre murder. I couldn't put it down. Well done to the author for merging plain facts with sympathy and compassion. And for avoiding the sensationalism that reporters of murder cases so often indulge themselves in.
LibraryThing member TerriBooks
I was disappointed in this book. Although there were interesting parts about the culture of the hostesses in Tokyo and the Japanese legal system, I felt the author failed to make a good human connection to the women who were the victims in these crimes. At times, especially in the last quarter of
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the book, it almost seemed that he wasn't sure if he was writing a book about himself or about the events he describes. There is obviously a wealth of good research behind the book, but it didn't quite get pulled together into a story that kept me enthralled. Show Less
LibraryThing member Norwine
I like true crime. I don't even mind the grisly details but this was just poorly organized and dragged on far too long.
LibraryThing member foodairbooks
A well-written & fascinating book. I'd recommend it highly. The nature of crime & criminals and the police & courts in Japan, was new to me and interesting. The insight into gaijin bar girls was very, very interesting. It was shocking how long the crimes had been under the radar.
LibraryThing member Jenners26
THIS IS A REVIEW OF THE AUDIOBOOK VERSION
First off, I have to say that true crime books are not my thing. However, a friend (who also isn’t a true crime person) made the book sound so good that I felt like I had to give it a go. The thing that really pushed me over the edge, though, was that
First off, I have to say that true crime books are not my thing. However, a friend (who also isn’t a true crime person) made the book sound so good that I felt like I had to give it a go. The thing that really pushed me over the edge, though, was that
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Simon Vance narrated the book and I’ve heard about how great he is as a narrator. (And he is fabulous … I see the attraction.) As I listened about the account of the disappearance of 21-year-old Brit Lucie Blackman from the streets of Tokyo, I got caught up in the story just as Richard Lloyd Parry did. (Parry is the Asia Editor and Tokyo Bureau Chief for the London Times.) Aside from being a true crime book, it is also a glimpse into the culture and legal system of Japan, which was absolutely fascinating. The book also delves into how people grieve and react to violent crimes in different ways, and why families are often torn apart rather than brought together by such events. Parry does a brilliant job of weaving together a rather complex story in a way that was always interesting and informative. Even if true crime isn’t your thing, I still think you’d find much of interest in this well-written and riveting book. Consider it a crash course on Japanese culture, history and legal system if that makes you feel better. Show Less
LibraryThing member zmagic69
This book tells the unbelievable story about a woman who disappears from the streets of Tokyo, and what it took to find and convict the man responsible. The book is very well detailed providing the perspectives of all of the responsible parties. The girl's family most of whom don't behave the way
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people are expected to in a situation like this, the ineptitude of the Japanese police, and how they expected criminals to confess, the culture of Japan which greatly hindered solving this crime, the Japanese justice system, how people behave differently when they are away from home, and finally bringing the guilty party to justice. This is an outstanding book. Show Less
LibraryThing member KatieANYC
Parry expertly builds suspense even where none actually exists, and he is excellent on hostess culture in Japan. His greatest strength by far is his nuanced portrait of Lucy's father, Tim, a deeply complicated man who Parry tries, and often succeeds, to like. Parry is able to implicate the reader
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in unfairly judging Tim's grief while still portraying Tim as a genuinely suspicious figure. However, and I think Parry would admit this, he never really got a handle on Obara. He was never able to interview him, and he just couldn't quite build a convincing portrait, so his sections lag. Also, there are some uncomfortable descriptions of Japanese culture that caught in my politically-correct American throat once or twice. Overall a flawed but enjoyable read. Show Less
LibraryThing member SigmundFraud
Like so many books there was too much detail that didn't move the story forward. It was a bizarre and compelling true crime story well told by a journalist for the Times of London who headed the bureau in Tokyo. At times it was eerie. It is well worth a detour if true crime is your think. I happen
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to like journalistic writing which this is. Show Less
LibraryThing member dbsovereign
A gritty tale of mayhem set in Tokyo that features Tony Blair and either a bumbling police force or one bought off by other forces. It is also shows a family torn apart by the murder of a woman in the wrong place at the wrong time. And all set in a land where crime is virtually nonexistent.
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Spoiler: The woman is torn apart and so is the family. Show Less
LibraryThing member dpappas
This book is a powerful look at the disappearance and murder of Lucie Blackman. Written by Richard Lloyd Parry who actually covered the disappearance murder and trial, this book provides readers with an insiders look into the events that happened and the people closest to Lucie and to her
I don't remember hearing of Lucie's disappearance back in 2000, but I was still pretty young back then. I liked that this book did not only provide a look into the murder of Lucie but also showed a glimpse into Japanese culture and into the Japanese justice system. It was interesting to see the uniqueness of the Japanese culture.
I was absolutely horrified at what happened to Lucie. I can't even imagine what her family went through. Also at times I was appalled with the actions of some people in this book. I can't exactly criticize them though because I have no idea what I would do in their situation.
From knowing nothing about Lucie's disappearance before I read this, this book provided me with a comprehensive overview of the case. It was absolutely fascinating and disgusting all at once and I would urge other people to read this book. It is well researched and you will never forget Lucie Blackman.
*I received a ARC of this book from the publisher which in no way affects the content of my review.*
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disappearance.I don't remember hearing of Lucie's disappearance back in 2000, but I was still pretty young back then. I liked that this book did not only provide a look into the murder of Lucie but also showed a glimpse into Japanese culture and into the Japanese justice system. It was interesting to see the uniqueness of the Japanese culture.
I was absolutely horrified at what happened to Lucie. I can't even imagine what her family went through. Also at times I was appalled with the actions of some people in this book. I can't exactly criticize them though because I have no idea what I would do in their situation.
From knowing nothing about Lucie's disappearance before I read this, this book provided me with a comprehensive overview of the case. It was absolutely fascinating and disgusting all at once and I would urge other people to read this book. It is well researched and you will never forget Lucie Blackman.
*I received a ARC of this book from the publisher which in no way affects the content of my review.*
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LibraryThing member allison.sivak
Such a thoughtful approach to such a sensational case.
LibraryThing member meggyweg
I was dimly aware of the Lucie Blackman case, having seen headlines about it over the years, but I hadn't realized just how sordid the whole story was, and how much evil and pathos was involved. Parry became intimately familiar with the victim, her family and her friends and got as close to the
I have read a lot of crime stories, but Joji Obara seriously creeped me out and I would not be at all surprised if he was responsible for more deaths than the authorities are aware of. If you like detailed case studies of violent crime, this is for you.
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killer as was possible. He also does a good job describing Japanese police procedures and the Japanese courts system, which is vastly different from Western models. This book reinforced my resolve to never, never set foot in Japan.I have read a lot of crime stories, but Joji Obara seriously creeped me out and I would not be at all surprised if he was responsible for more deaths than the authorities are aware of. If you like detailed case studies of violent crime, this is for you.
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LibraryThing member katherinesayre
Fascinating look inside the Japanese criminal court system. As a former crime/courts reporter, I connected with many of Parry's observations in covering a high-profile missing person/murder case -- the intense pressure on victims' families in how their grief should appear in public, for example,
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and the frustrating attempts to understand someone accused of horrifying acts. Show Less
LibraryThing member seasonsoflove
It quickly becomes clear why this book was shortlisted for so many awards. Parry spent ten years researching the case, interviewing involved parties, attending trials, and talking with the police.
All this research made it possible for him to create an in-depth, thorough account of Lucie Blackman, a
This was a case I knew nothing about, but by the time I finished this gripping read, I felt completely informed and emotionally invested. The only time Parry went awry was in the very last chapter, when he abandoned his research to wax philosophically on life and death.
This is a book about a terrible crime, but it is also about family ties, culture, the role of women, the legal system, and how one act can have reverberations for generations to come.
All this research made it possible for him to create an in-depth, thorough account of Lucie Blackman, a
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young British woman who went missing in Japan. She was working as a hostess in the Rappongi district; her job involved making conversation with Japanese men. When she went missing, many believed her disappearance must have somehow been connected to her job, to the fact that she was a beautiful foreigner-or, as a mysterious phone call claimed, because she had joined a religious cult.This was a case I knew nothing about, but by the time I finished this gripping read, I felt completely informed and emotionally invested. The only time Parry went awry was in the very last chapter, when he abandoned his research to wax philosophically on life and death.
This is a book about a terrible crime, but it is also about family ties, culture, the role of women, the legal system, and how one act can have reverberations for generations to come.
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LibraryThing member Jan.Stinus.Nielsen
This is such a good read. Thrilling, unheimlich, fascinating, disgusting and intriguing.
It's a story about the disappearance of a young British woman in the bizarre vortex of the Tokyo water business (the term used for a variety of adult or not so adult goings on). But it's also - and perhaps even
I recommend this book highly. You will not be able to put it down or easily forget it. Four (very big) stars out of five.
It's a story about the disappearance of a young British woman in the bizarre vortex of the Tokyo water business (the term used for a variety of adult or not so adult goings on). But it's also - and perhaps even
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more - a story of trying to understand what can't be understood. Of coming to grips with what can't be gripped. Why this girl? Why (spoiler) did the abductor do as he did? What made him tick? And most chillingly of all, what if there really is no explanation to his crimes? What if he is simply a human, not the devil his actions suggest? The story is also a story about Japan and the Japanese. About a culture so hard to fathom - and perhaps because of this, so fascinating.I recommend this book highly. You will not be able to put it down or easily forget it. Four (very big) stars out of five.
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LibraryThing member sbenne3
An interesting true crime read with some cultural lessons about Japan - it just needed some editing - too long and included accounts that aren't really necessary to further the story.
LibraryThing member bookbrig
I found the parts of this that touched on the Japanese justice system most interesting, but I also appreciated the details about Lucie's family and the ways such violent crimes affect those left behind.
LibraryThing member mjlivi
A reasonably engaging and incredibly detailed recounting of the disappearance of Lucie Blackman, a young British woman working as a hostess in Tokyo's seedy Roppongi district. There's something pretty exploitative about the whole true crime genre, and I did wonder halfway through why I was reading
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this - what does anyone gain from rehashing the grisly details of what turns out to be a pretty tawdry and deeply depressing story? I'm not sure. Parry does a good job of providing some cultural context for the crime, its investigation and the eventual trial of the perpetrator, but I came away feeling saddened and a bit cheapened. I guess I'm just not really a true crime type of guy. Show Less
LibraryThing member shanaelyse
A real 360-degree view of Tokyo's typically well-hidden world of hostessing and the Lucie Blackman case. Parry painstakingly captures the actions and reactions of all the parties involved in Lucie's life (and death), from her parents to the police superintendent who oversaw the investigation of
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Lucie's disappearance and murder. Perhaps the most fascinating part about this book is towards the end (around page 400 or so, this book is not a short beach read), where Parry provides an analysis of why similar subsequent crimes were coined as "how Japanese," along with a discussion of the ways in which Japanese and Western women are perceived by men of all cultures who live in or visit Tokyo's Roppongi district. Thanks to Farrar, Strauss and Giroux for graciously sending me an advance copy; this was not a quick read, but it was immensely engaging and certainly worth my time. Show Less
LibraryThing member ThomasPluck
an excellent and harrowing account.
LibraryThing member arielfl
This is my favorite kind of true crime book. It not only relates the crime in detail but it also gives the reader understanding about a specific place and time, in this case Roppongi in Minato, Tokyo. The crime against Lucie Blackman couldn't have happened anywhere else but in Japan and to
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understand it you have to appreciate how the Japanese culture views women, especially those who are foreign born. You also have to grasp the Japanese legal system were almost everyone who goes to trial is convicted and the police worry about arresting suspects when it will be least embarrassing to them. Unbeknown to Lucie Blackman she was on a collision course with a serial rapist who had already murdered another girl. The crime is only part of the story. The rest involves the Japanese legal system, what it meant to me a hostess, how he Japanese male culture viewed western women, and the toxic relationship of Lucie's family especially the relationship between her parents. I could not put this book down. It was riveting. I think the author did a terrific job of fairly portraying the main player in the story, especially those who have been maligned in other publications. Show Less
Awards
Edgar Award (Nominee — Fact Crime — 2013)
The Economist Best Books (2011.10)
Orwell Prize (Shortlist — 2012)
Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction (Longlist — 2011)
Gordon Burn Prize (Shortlist — 2013)
Language
Original publication date
2012-04-22
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