Finger Bone is a haunting portrayal of the psychological and physical toll of war. Set during the final stages of World War II, the novel centers on a young Japanese soldier stationed in the Pacific. Through fragmented memories and observations, it explores the horrors of war, human vulnerability, and the struggle for survival. The protagonist reflects on the brutality he witnesses and participates in, grappling with guilt and the loss of humanity. The stark and evocative prose captures the devastating impact of war on individuals, questioning the meaning of life amidst the chaos and destruction.

Hiroki Takahashi (1979) is a Japanese author from Aomori Prefecture. He graduated from Waseda University and debuted as a writer in 2010. His novel Finger Bone won the 150th Akutagawa Prize in 2014. Takahashi has also received other literary accolades, including the Shincho Prize for New Writers. His works often address themes of war, memory, and human experiences, reflecting historical and societal contexts. Takahashi’s novels and short stories have been recognized in literary circles, establishing him as a prominent contemporary writer in Japan.

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Booking Details
Free for members of The Japan Society

Book available from Bookshop.org, Amazon, and Waterstones (translated by Takami Nieda)
Japanese version available here