扮鬼臉

Title: 扮鬼臉
Author: 宮部美幸
Publisher: 獨步文化 出版

Another Miyabe novel that I cannot help but love. It is at once a historical play, a family drama, a ghost story, a crime thriller. Yet, the spirit (or should I say spirits?) of the entire story is about love and tenderness.

A young girl coming of age, poised between childhood and womanhood. A young soul with the sensitivity to see beyond into the metaphysical. She sees ghost. But there is little fear involved. Instead she develops affection for them and they reciprocate.

Aptly titled "making ghost faces", this novel is set in the historical capital city of Edo. It evokes nostalgic longing for a time long past, a time when life was simpler. Miyable brought the past to us in a tale that appeared to be juxtaposing romance, revenge and love. Yet, the twist at the end tells us this novel is all that and more.