On Parole (Harvest Book)

Meanwhile, Kikutani finds that he is not in the least bit remorseful for his crime-which is alluded to, but not detailed until page 110 or so. Thus the central theme of the novel is brought forth: whether redemption can occur without true remorse and forgiveness. Yoshimura muddies Kikutani's case by casting him as a respected member of society (a teacher), who commits a crime that is understandable if not conscionable, but in an ambiguous approach. Kikutani attempts to revisit places from his past in his quest to understand himself and how he became a murderer, and what it all means, but cannot find solace or aid, leading to a tragic and fatalistic ending. The book's tone is not unlike Yoshimura's other two translated novels, Shipwrecks and One Man's Justice, check those out as well.