Why read The Twilight World?

Book cover of The Twilight World

Book description

'A potent, vaporous fever dream; a meditation on truth, lies, illusion and time' NEW YORK TIMES

In his first novel, the great filmmaker, Werner Herzog, tells the incredible story of a Japanese soldier who defended a small island for twenty-nine years after the end of World War II.

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Twilight World as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Peter Tasker

Author

I’m a huge fan of Werner Herzog, the director who gave us cinematic treats such as Fitzcarraldo and Bad Lieutenant, as well as startling documentaries like Grizzly Man.

As a multi-decade resident of Japan, I’ve been long intrigued by the story of Hiroo Onoda, the Japanese soldier who continued to patrol a remote island in the Philippines until he finally surrendered in 1974. Herzog’s first novel puts you inside the head of Onoda, a man that many would consider crazy, and makes you understand the obsessive logic of his worldview and marvel at his survivalist skills.

It’s a short…

From Peter's 3 favorite reads in 2023.