A Man (ある男, Aru hito) is a 2018 novel by Keiichiro Hirano. It was originally published in Bungakukai's June 2018 issue and then published as a novel by Bungeishunjū a few months later. The novel then went on to win the 70th Yomiuri Literary Prize.[1] In 2020, an English translation by Eli K. P. Williams was released by Amazon Crossing, marking Hirano's debut in the English language.[2] In 2022, the novel was adapted to film by director Kei Ishikawa and won the Japan Academy Film Prize for Picture of the Year.
 | |
| Author | Keiichiro Hirano |
|---|---|
| Translator | Eli K. P. Williams |
| Language | Japanese |
| Publisher | Bungeishunju (Japanese) Amazon Crossing (English) |
Publication date | September 30, 2018 (Japanese) June 1, 2020 (English) |
| Publication place | Japan |
| Awards | Yomiuri Literary Prize |
| ISBN | 978-4-16-390902-8 |
| Preceded by | ドーン (Dawn) |
Synopsis
editThe novel follows a divorce attorney, Akira Kido. Eventually, a former client of his appears, Rie Takemoto, who sets Kido on an investigation regarding her late husband. However, upon inquiring further about the late husband's life, he finds out that his entire identity was fabricated, prompting him to set out on a quest to find out who Rie's husband really was. All the while, Kido's own marriage risks deterioration.
Critical reception
editEnglish
editPublishers Weekly stated "Hirano’s stylish, suspenseful noir should earn him a stateside audience."[3] The Japan Times found the story's unfolding satisfactory.[4]
Film adaptation
editIn 2022, the novel was adapted to film by director Kei Ishikawa and premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival.[5] The film went on to win 8 awards at the Japan Academy Film Prizes, including Best Picture. Many of the film's actors won awards as well, with Satoshi Tsumabuki winning Best Actor, Masataka Kubota winning Best Supporting Actor, and Sakura Ando winning Best Supporting Actress.[6]
References
edit- ^ 第一文藝部. "平野啓一郎の新たなる代表作、読売文学賞受賞作『ある男』英訳発売 "Amazon First Reads Program"8作のうちの1作に採択 | 第一文藝部 | ニュース". 本の話 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2024-11-01.
- ^ Hirano, Keiichiro (June 1, 2020). A Man. Translated by Williams, Eli K. P. Amazon Crossing. ISBN 978-1542006880.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ "A Man by Keiichiro Hirano". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
- ^ Schreiber, Mark (July 25, 2020). "'A Man' looks beyond a stolen name and identity". The Japan Times.
- ^ Brzeski, Patrick (2022-09-04). "Venice Hidden Gem: Kei Ishikawa's 'A Man' Reflects on the Elusive Identity of Japan's "Lost Generation"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
- ^ "【第46回日本アカデミー賞】「ある男」が最多8冠！ 妻夫木聡が…安藤サクラが…感無量の涙 : 映画ニュース". 映画.com (in Japanese). Retrieved 2024-11-01.