The Box Man by Imiri Sakabashira, translated by Taro Nettleton
You know how sometimes when you’re not quite asleep, you think you’re maybe dreaming, but then you’re convinced you’re really awake even when you’re not? You know … that state of in-between when you’re not quite sure of reality and you start making things up that you can’t really explain? Confused yet? … Welcome to the world of Sakabashira’s The Box Man …
A hooded, dark-sunglassed man on a scooter, whizzes by on a deserted road, joined by a sort-of cat-maybe-fox-like creature who seems to be sporting a turtle shell. Strapped on to the back of the scooter is an unmarked box, which makes a perfect seat for the four-legged hitchhiker. Off they go into the night, encountering any number of strange creatures and disturbing sights.
Mini-Godzilla causes the pair to crash, but the box remains intact and they quickly find another scooter in a convenient auto junk yard. They enter a labyrinthine city of dark alleys and tangled wires, get accosted by cops (the only recognizable figures – what’s up with that?), walk through an endless corridor of rooms filled with strange goings-on (don’t ask), scooter through the most bizarre of bazaars, and finally end on a deserted beach … where the hooded man reveals himself just before he delivers his … uhm … father who with his new “crab-like lower body … has become far too decadent.”
Got all that? Make sense? Nope? I think that’s the point … could definitely be wrong – am totally open to suggestions so please do share.
As we zig-zag through our lives trying to escape our demons (or meet them head-on), we’re never quite sure of where we are, or even where we’re going … our mish-mash global-village overstimulated lives are nothing short of surreal, that’s for certain. What else can we do but enjoy the crazy ride as much as we can? Let The Box Man be your guide …
Readers: Adult
Published: 2009 (United States)
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