How to go about finding a new wife, let alone girlfriend? Especially when Aoyama is looking specifically for someone with some classical training? His good friend and colleague comes up with the idea of hosting an audition for a new film with the main female lead being similar to what Aoyama wants in a new wife. Aoyama becomes infatuated by Asami, a young former ballerina auditioning for the lead role in the film. He decides to pursue the perfect Asami, asking her to meet up and discuss things (hopefully eventually leading towards a romantic relationship) after the audition.
As he gets to know Asami over time and dates, he quickly falls for her and is able to, like probably most people, overlook contradictions in her life's story and past, which could have serious consequences.
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| Ryu Murakami, photo from Wikipedia |
Audition was actually my first, unknown venture into the world of Ryu Murakami. 5 years ago before I had ever read anything by the author I saw the 1999 J-horror film version Audition (Ôdishon, in Japanese). The film is one of the most difficult films (read stomach turning) I've ever seen. However, where as the film was cringe-worthy in graphic images and employed an almost non-linear narrative, Ryu Murakami's novel is a straight narrative of Aoyama's search for a new wife via the audition and his relationship with Asami.
While this is also a wonderful, short read, its psychologically frightening with a tiny bit gruesomeness, which is probably best read if you haven't watched the above mentioned film. Still, I'd highly recommend giving it a look next time you're in a bookstore or library.
Rating: 4 of 5.
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