Death by Water (novel)

Death by Water is a novel by Kenzaburō Ōe, published in 2009. It is a semi-autobiographical work that delves into Ōe's childhood experiences during World War II and his complex relationship with his deceased father. The narrative explores themes of memory, trauma, family, and the legacy of war in postwar Japan.

The novel revolves around the character of Kogito Choko, a writer struggling to complete a new novel based on his father's death. Kogito's father, a forester, disappeared during the war, presumed to have died while transporting supplies. Kogito's investigation into the circumstances surrounding his father's death becomes a central focus of the story, leading him to confront long-suppressed memories and family secrets.

Ōe employs his signature style, characterized by dense prose, intricate symbolism, and a philosophical exploration of existential themes. Death by Water blends fictional elements with biographical details from Ōe's own life, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. The novel is considered a significant work in Ōe's oeuvre, offering insights into his personal history and his enduring engagement with the themes of war, identity, and the human condition. It also explores the relationship between a writer and their subject matter, and the process of transforming personal experience into art.