07 Book Notes - Okegawa stalker murder - Testament (桶川跟踪狂杀人事件)
Book by Kiyoshi Shimizu
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ of 5 stars
I picked up this book, mistaking it for a murder mystery, but it turned out to be a non-fiction documentary about society. The book documents an important event that led to changes in Japan's laws regarding the definition of stalking.
Beyond the details of the story, I see it as a real-life example of the failure of executive power of government(the legislative, executive and judicial power). It highlights a typical case of a corrupt local police department that downplayed and ignored a victim's complaints until she was murdered, and then continued to downplay and neglect the case even afterward.
It also showcases how a small media outlet took on the role of the "Fourth Estate." A journalist, without police resources or authority, followed clues, interviewed potential witnesses, and relentlessly pursued the truth. Despite being obstructed and undermined by the police, the journalist ultimately pressured the authorities to uncover the truth.
This made me reflect on how we view traditional media versus newer forms, like social media. There isn't always a perfect scenario where the "Fourth Estate" can step in to fill the gaps left by dysfunctional or disappointing branches of power. In the book’s example, the journalist became the first and only voice shedding light on a case that deserved public attention, aligning their interests with those of the victim and her family, who had been ignored and even harmed by the police.
What do I like about this book?
It introduces a journalist deeply committed to social responsibility and offers a unique perspective on a murder case, one that operates outside the traditional resources available to the police. The book also documents this important incident that changes in the law regarding stalking, which provides a comforting and reassuring conclusion for the reader.
Why did I deduct one star from 5 stars in my rating?
The author’s storytelling style tends to dwell on the same details and repeatedly targets the same points, which becomes tedious. While I understand the emotional exhaustion of empathizing with the victim and seeking the truth, the repetitive nature of the narrative made the reading experience feel tiresome as well.
Thank you for reading!
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58227000
Read my other book notes:
04 Book Notes - Parable of the Sower
05 Book Note - Capitalism & Slavery
06 Book Notes - Murder in The Crooked House
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