I had seen the the film based on this before I read the book. Both are as good as each other, although I think maybe some people might be disappointed if they watch the film first then read the book and vice versa. However for me, since I have a very vivid imagination, I could picture the film in my head while I was reading this book. The film/book each have a slow pace, that builds the tension. This leads to one of the most memorable scenes in a book/film. (In my opinion, the part of the book at the hotel on-wards is the best part) I love this book, and I really enjoyed reading it, for a full day, because at the time, I was really ill, so this helped a lot. If you like Japanese cinema/culture or just Japanese or Korean Literature in general then I think you will enjoy reading this book, and watching the film. Although the pace sometimes, might be a little slow, for some people. Personally I am a huge fan of foreign literature, especially if it is set in Japan, Russian, Germany and it involves a crime, or it is a horror story. I also really like the dark humor in these types of books, when the main character is considering doing something out of character, and thinks of it in a funny way. I recommend this book, to fans of Japanese culture or foreign literature. I just ordered another book by this author, and I can't wait to read more of his work.

Seven years after the death of his wife Aoyama has decided it’s time to get back in the game and find himself a new partner. With the aid of close friend Yoshikawa he sets up a fake movie audition in order to vet potential women when he meets his perfect woman - Yamasaki Asami. Everything about her leaves Aoyama in awe and he quickly finds himself falling in love with her. As he gets to know her he begins to appreciate that she is the perfect woman for him, but can he realise that this rose hides a lethal thorn before it’s too late? With ‘Audition’ Ryu Murakami has produced a great little thriller. As always his characters are expertly realised and believable and the story is expertly told. If I was to have one complaint about the book it’s that it ends rather abruptly. I found myself expecting there to be something extra, a little epilogue to reveal what happened after that final scene. This takes nothing away from the story itself which is presented with Murakami’s unique style and description – a must read for fans of one of Japan’s greatest literary lights.