Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Out summary
Brief summary
Out by Natsuo Kirino is a gripping crime novel that follows four women who become entangled in a dangerous cover-up after one of them commits a heinous act. It delves into the complexities of their relationships and the consequences of their actions.
Topics
Table of Contents
Out
Summary of key ideas
The Unfolding of a Brutal Crime
In Out by Natsuo Kirino, we are introduced to four women working the graveyard shift at a bento factory. Masako, the leader, is a middle-aged woman who is unhappy with her life. She is joined by Yoshie, a single mother struggling to make ends meet, Kuniko, a young woman trying to escape her abusive husband, and Yayoi, a woman who is in deep financial trouble. The story takes a dark turn when Yayoi's husband, Teppei, comes to the factory, and in a fit of rage, she kills him. The women, out of fear and desperation, decide to help Yayoi dispose of the body.
As the women begin to dismantle and dispose of the body, they face their own personal demons. Masako, the mastermind, is revealed to be a cold and calculating woman who is willing to do anything to escape her mundane life. Yoshie is shown as a compassionate woman who is willing to do anything for her daughter, while Kuniko is a woman who is tired of being abused. Yayoi is portrayed as a weak and easily manipulated woman who is overwhelmed by the crime they have committed.
A Desperate Attempt to Cover Up
The women's desperate attempt to cover up the murder leads them into the dangerous world of the yakuza. They face numerous challenges and obstacles, including disposing of the body, dealing with the police, and managing their relationships with each other. As they struggle to keep their secret, the women's bond is tested, and their true natures are revealed. Masako, in particular, shows herself to be ruthless and calculating, willing to sacrifice anyone to save herself.
The plot thickens when Teppei's body is discovered, and the police begin to investigate. The women are forced to take increasingly desperate measures to avoid being caught. They resort to blackmail, theft, and even murder to protect themselves. As the tension rises, the women's mental and emotional states begin to deteriorate, leading to a dramatic and violent climax.
The Unraveling of the Women's Lives
As the women's lives unravel, Masako takes drastic measures to ensure their safety, leading to the brutal murder of a fellow co-worker who had discovered their secret. Yoshie, who had been the most reluctant to participate in the cover-up, is driven to the brink of insanity, haunted by guilt and fear. Kuniko, on the other hand, is revealed to have her own dark secrets, further complicating their situation.
Ultimately, the women's attempts to escape their mundane lives lead them into a downward spiral of violence and despair. Their bond, initially formed out of necessity, becomes a source of betrayal and manipulation. In the end, they are unable to escape the consequences of their actions, and their lives are forever changed by the brutal murder they committed.
The Aftermath and the Harsh Reality
In the aftermath of the murder, Masako is the only one who manages to escape the law, leaving behind a trail of destruction and broken lives. Yoshie and Kuniko are arrested, and their lives are shattered. The novel ends with Masako, having successfully escaped the law, reflecting on the harsh reality of her life and the choices she has made.
As a whole, Out is a dark and compelling exploration of the human psyche and the lengths people will go to escape their circumstances. It delves deep into the lives of these women, exposing their vulnerabilities and flaws, and ultimately, the brutal consequences of their actions.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Out about?
Out by Natsuo Kirino is a gripping thriller that delves into the lives of four women who become involved in a gruesome murder. As they try to cover up the crime, they face unexpected challenges and must confront their own fears and desires. The novel explores themes of female empowerment, friendship, and the darker side of human nature.
Out Review
Out (2003) follows four women working in a bento factory who get entangled in a murder plot. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Featuring complex female characters resisting societal norms, it offers a refreshing take on crime fiction and challenges traditional gender roles.
- The raw and gritty portrayal of human desperation and survival instinct adds depth to the narrative, keeping readers captivated until the very end.
- With its dark and suspenseful plot full of unexpected twists, the book guarantees a thrilling and unpredictable reading experience that is far from mundane.
Who should read Out?
Readers who enjoy dark and gritty crime fiction
Those interested in exploring the lives of women in contemporary Japan
Individuals who appreciate complex and morally ambiguous characters
Categories with Out
Book summaries like Out
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Out FAQs
What is the main message of Out?
In Out, the main message revolves around the consequences of dark choices and the strength found in unexpected bonds.
How long does it take to read Out?
Reading Out takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in around 15 minutes.
Is Out a good book? Is it worth reading?
Out is a gripping thriller that delves into complex human nature, making it a compelling and worthwhile read.
Who is the author of Out?
Natsuo Kirino is the author of Out.
What to read after Out?
If you're wondering what to read next after Out, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz