A Japanese bildungsroman written in Spanish, Rito de Iniciacion (Initiation Rite) by Diego Uribe tells the life of Akito, from his childhood until his emotional last moments. The author recounts Akito’s difficult upbringing and his harmful family ties, as well as his bond with his younger sister, Umiko, a relationship that keeps him going until he decides to escape his dire situation at home. As his journey progresses, he makes a number of bad decisions along the way, turning him into a “despicable being,” as he describes himself. Written clearly and simply, Uribe imbues this short novel with great emotion, gripping the reader from the start, though it leaves one wanting to know more about Akito’s life, as we are mainly privy to his mistakes. Despite Akito’s difficult life, Uribe’s novel is a compelling invitation to delve into Japanese culture through the vivid lens of one man’s journey.
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