Bernard jou Iwaku

Literature quiz! What are Japan's three greatest mystery novels?

Fifth Volume: Japan's Three Greatest Mystery Novels

Uh, I think Yumeno Kyuusaku's Dogra Magra is one, and...

Oguri Mushitarou's Black Death Hall Murders

Japan's Three Greatest Mystery Novels?

and Nakai Hideo's An Offering to Nothingness.

Correct! I'm impressed you can remember them!

Uh, Dogra Magra and Mushi... Mushi... Nope, I can't.

Don't worry about the titles. Just try reading one!

I recommend Dogra Magra.

Yumeno Kyuusaku Dogra Magra

It's a mystery novel that took over ten years to plan and write.

Dogra Magra by Yumeno Kyuusaku (Jan. 4, 1889 - Mar. 11, 1936) A mystery novel told from the perspective of a character who has just awakened in a hospital's psychiatric ward with amnesia. Its eccentric literary style makes it difficult to categorize as simply a mystery novel.

Oh, it's a mystery novel?

It's said to cause mental abnormalities in those who read it.

Really?! Sounds like a book you could get into!

But it sounds kinda subculture-ish, like some middle schooler's fantasy...

Like you're saying, "The book I'm into lately is Dogra Magra.

Handle me with care. I'm captivated by a world of madness."

Why?!

Also, don't worry about the opinions of others when you read!

If we do that, then no matter what we read, we'll be stereotyped

as people who distance themselves from every book they read,

like we have to take out some dumb insurance policy!

A book that influences people, be it poison or medicine,

is a valuable resource for that reason alone!

Even if people think it's embarrassing,

if you don't immerse yourself so deeply that your life is changed after reading it,

you can't gain the rich, worthwhile experience of being a reader!

I was wrong...

How could I have read in such a silly way before?

No, I got a bit too worked up, as well.

But even if you adapt a critical stance,

books with enough allure will attract readers—

Kanbayashi!

I'll be reborn!

I'll get so deeply immersed in reading Dogra Magra, I could drown!

Huh?! Why?!