Probably not a book I would have bought brand new I picked up my copy of 'Tokyo Hostess' by Clare Campbell in a local op shop recently. The book takes a look at the murders of three young women from the Western world in Japan. Interspersed with the facts (and it seems at times some speculation) of what happened to each of the women, Lucie Blackman from the UK, Carita Ridgeway from Australia and Lindsay Ann Hawker also from the UK, the book delves into the mysterious world of hostess clubs and the seedier bars and clubs that apparently abound in Japan. (I can't say for certainty as I have never been there) If half of what the author has written in this book about the nightlife and sexual norms of the Japanese it is certainly a thought provoking read. I should point out at this time that hostesses are not prostitutes and are not expected to have sex with clientele according to the author and all I have read on the subject.
I found it a strange book to read, at times it was a fascinating look at a culture I don't know much about, at others a little drawn out almost to the point of boring. What kept me reading was I wanted to KNOW what happened to the man who killed these women. (In the end it was two seperate murderers and I'm not really sure why the author included the killing of Lindsay Ann Hawker) The book was incredibly sad and as a mother it pulled at every emotional heartstring I have. My heart goes out to the loved ones of these lost girls.
I should post a disclaimer here that I do have a bit of an interest in Japanese culture. My ex husband met a woman in Japan and after our divorce they married. My daughter is very interested in Japanese culture, speaks Japanese and probably will visit there at some future time. After reading this book I'll be making sure she is aware of the dangers of trying to make fast money in places such as the hostess bars. Everyone says Japan is generally safe but I'm a mother and it's my perogative to worry about such things!
wishing you sunshine in your shadows
Helen
