Lemon
I am not the only human in this world. Then what value does my existence have?
July 14, 2021
Lemon
Keigo Higashino
Random House Korea
2010-01-22
9788991207554
Review
The Korean title was changed from the original Alter Ego to Lemon, a title that allows for multi-layered interpretations.
In English-speaking slang, a
It seems to be a title that perfectly fits the theme of this work, which digs into the origins of human existence.
It encapsulates the agony over how the existence of a clone is perceived socially, and further, how they perceive themselves.
The theme seems to be expressed more effectively through the structure of alternating narration of the two protagonists' stories.
In the early part of the work, readers are induced to guess the relationship between the two protagonists as simple doppelgangers or twins harboring a secret of birth.
It strongly suggests how decisive the role of environment and experience, namely upbringing, is over genetic factors.
In English-speaking slang, a
lemon is said to mean a defective product that looks fine on the outside but is actually faulty.It seems to be a title that perfectly fits the theme of this work, which digs into the origins of human existence.
It encapsulates the agony over how the existence of a clone is perceived socially, and further, how they perceive themselves.
The theme seems to be expressed more effectively through the structure of alternating narration of the two protagonists' stories.
In the early part of the work, readers are induced to guess the relationship between the two protagonists as simple doppelgangers or twins harboring a secret of birth.
It strongly suggests how decisive the role of environment and experience, namely upbringing, is over genetic factors.