Remembering Keigo Higashino: A Master of Transformation and Reader Connection

The passing of renowned Japanese author Keigo Higashino has left a significant void, particularly for Korean readers who have long cherished his works. Park Hyun-joo, a columnist for Hankyoreh, recalls Higashino as the very subject of her first genre literature review column 16 years ago, introducing his novel 'The Rules of Detective.' Higashino's novels, characterized by straightforward prose, rapid pacing, and unexpected twists, offered a gateway to reading for many, even those who typically shy away from books.

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The passing of Keigo Higashino last week was a great shock.

Higashino's oeuvre spans a wide range of emotional and intellectual landscapes. Readers often cite different favorites, from the intricate psychological unraveling in 'Malice' to the poignant sacrifice in 'Byakuyako' (White Night), and the hopeful fantasy of 'Miracles of the Namiya General Store.' Park herself favors 'The Devotion of Suspect X,' a novel from the Galileo series featuring physicist Yukawa Manabu. The story masterfully blends mathematical puzzles with a deeply moving exploration of devotion.

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He was the epitome of mystery novels, to the extent that I introduced 'The Rules of Detective' in the first installment of this column.

His latest novel, 'The Transparent Spiral,' also part of the Galileo series, delves into a murder mystery where the focus shifts from identifying the culprit to understanding the hidden motivations. The narrative explores the theme of protecting others, a recurring motif in Higashino's writing. Notably, the novel portrays a softer side of the usually stoic Yukawa Manabu as he takes on parental responsibilities, using the physics concept of a magnetic monopole as a metaphor for his personal realization that he cannot live in isolation.

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Humans changing is dramatic.

Higashino himself once stated, 'Humans changing is dramatic.' His novels consistently feature characters who evolve through their encounters with others, a transformation that he believed was inherently compelling. He also expressed a desire to write works that 'betray expectations in a good way.' As his 106th novel, 'Eternal Memory,' is set to be released, readers anticipate another story that will resonate with the theme of personal change, a testament to Higashino's enduring legacy.

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I want to write works that betray expectations, and when I do betray them, I want it to be in a good way.