I would recommend 'The Devotion of Suspect X' to beginners. The story is about a murder and how a brilliant mathematician gets involved. It's written in a way that is accessible even if you're new to Japanese crime novels. 'Out' is also a good start. It shows the lives of ordinary women who get caught up in a criminal situation. And 'Snow Country' can be considered too. It has elements of mystery which can draw in new readers.
For beginners, 'Kitchen' by Banana Yoshimoto is a great choice. It has a simple yet engaging writing style. The story revolves around a young woman dealing with loss and finding comfort in the kitchen, which is a very relatable theme.
Sure. 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint - Exupéry (it has a Japanese translation and is very popular there). It has simple language and a profound story that's easy to understand. Another good one is 'My Neighbor Totoro' which is based on the beloved Studio Ghibli film. The storybook version has a charming narrative and is a great introduction to Japanese storytelling.
Sure. 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' is a great start. The stories are short and easy to follow, and the mysteries are engaging. Another good one is 'The Cat Who...' series by Lilian Jackson Braun. It's more light - hearted compared to some darker crime novels.
A great beginner - friendly Japanese mystery novel is 'Malice'. Keigo Higashino's writing style is accessible, and the mystery in this book is both intriguing and not overly complicated. 'Kokoro' can also be a good choice for those new to Japanese mystery. While it's more about character study and relationships, the sense of mystery surrounding the characters' pasts and emotions can be very appealing.
For beginners, 'The Tale of Genji' is a great start. Despite being written long ago, it gives a comprehensive view of early Japanese court culture. It has been translated many times, so it's accessible. Another good one is 'Botchan'. It's a simple and humorous story that shows the values and social norms in Meiji - era Japan. And 'Kitchen' is also suitable. It's a relatively short and easy - to - read novel that still contains a lot of Japanese cultural elements.
A good beginner - friendly UK crime novel is 'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill. It has a spooky atmosphere and a simple yet engaging mystery. It's not too complex, so it's easy for new readers of the genre to get into. Also, 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith, while set in Botswana, has a very accessible style. It shows the simple yet effective detective work of Mma Ramotswe, which can be a good introduction to the idea of crime - solving in novels.
For beginners, 'Sherlock Holmes' short stories are great. They are easy to read and Holmes' deductive reasoning is really interesting. 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' is a good collection to start with.
Sure. 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is a great start. It's a classic with a simple yet very engaging mystery. Ten strangers are lured to an island and then start to die one by one, and you're left guessing who the killer is.
A great beginner - friendly lesbian crime novel is 'Blue is the Warmest Color' by Julie Maroh. It's a graphic novel, so it's a bit more visual and easier to digest. It tells a story of love and self - discovery within a context that has elements of social 'crime' like discrimination. Another option is 'The Butchering Art' by Lindsey Fitzharris. It combines historical facts with a crime - solving narrative and has some lesbian undertones that are not too complex for new readers to understand.
For beginners, 'The Pelican Brief' by John Grisham is a great choice. It has a straightforward plot about a law student who uncovers a political conspiracy. The writing is accessible and engaging.