The Sea and Poison

Endo uses an experimental style here, with shifting perspectives and jumps in time. This suits his aim. He tries to be as objective as possible in describing the personalities and motivations behind shocking amoral actions at the end of WW2.There were more horrific situations at that time than the one described here. However, what makes this story so depressing is the way the characters try to cling to everyday values when their environment is disintegrating into hell. The description of a hospital in a Japanese town at this stage of the war is grim and fascinating.This is Endo at his coolest. He tackles a difficult issue without being sensationalist and while trying to maintain some perspective. The Rider Song

The best Endo novel around. Very glad it's back in print. Chilling, haunting. Finished the book with the same feeling I got from watching The Act of Killing doc, like I've just witnessed true horror and understand its footprint on the soul.