The Traitor follows a man drawn into a shadowy political conspiracy after agreeing to inform on others within an oppressive, ambiguous system. As surveillance, interrogation, and paranoia intensify, loyalty becomes unstable and personal identity begins to fracture. The novel offers a bleak meditation on betrayal, power, and moral uncertainty, revealing how individuals are compromised by political control and pervasive fear.

Kobo Abe (1924–1993) was a Japanese novelist, playwright, and poet known for his surreal, experimental fiction and philosophical exploration of modern alienation. Influenced by existentialism and the avant‑garde, his work often portrays individuals trapped in oppressive systems, unstable identities, or absurd bureaucratic worlds. His best‑known novels include The Woman in the Dunes, The Face of Another, and The Box Man. Abe also collaborated extensively with director Hiroshi Teshigahara, contributing to landmark film adaptations of his work.

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