HYUNDAE MUNHAK
A bizarre and warm story that takes place in an old general store where no one lives
This is the latest work by Keigo Higashino, published in Japan in March 2012. The setting of the story is a general store in the suburbs that has been empty for over 30 years. A threesome thief who robs and runs away from the police sneaks into the 'Namiya General Store'. A mysterious letter arrives out of nowhere. The letter addressed to 'Namiya General Store Owner' contains advice on concerns. The trio doubts that someone is joking, but they are drawn to the letter and begin to reply. Strange letters do not stop with just one letter, and as replies continue, various worries and life stories appear. At the same time, the secrets surrounding the Namiya General Store are also revealed one by one.
Instead of the murder case or the detective's reasoning that comes to mind when you think of Keigo Higashino, the trust in the good intentions inside the human being shown in the works came to the fore. The strange events that happened overnight to the three young people who lived day to day without a clear plan are not just a bizarre story. The thieves trio are, in a word, ‘subjects that I can’t even get ahead of me’. However, their candid reply letter is a turning point in the counselor's life. In addition, these three people also find new hope by providing counseling for their concerns. In the end, they both brought miracles to each other's lives.
The author said, "How do they act when they receive a letter from the past, who are indifferent to other people's worries and have never seriously thought about anything for anyone?" It is said that young people full of flaws appeared from the thought. And they gradually change through their relationships with others. His troubles and solutions, and the heartwarming stories of those around him, will make readers think about living together again.
