"It's all just nonsense anyway"
___
Now before even talking about its contents, I think it's important to understand why I originally dived into this book series. The reasons could be interpreted as simple. Firstly, Zaregoto is the author Nisi Oisin's first published piece of work - before entries such as the Monogatari Series or Katangatari. As someone who would place the former series in his top 5 favourites of all time and a huge fan of the mystery genre in general, I certainly had more than enough of a reason to read the novel. Though, as one might understand, reading a book series is a lot more challenging than simply watching a 24-episode TV series. However, after hearing praise on Zaregoto, and hearing some go as far as to call it a 'masterpiece', it seemed that I had no choice but to begin.
___
##### 
The Zaregoto Series contains 9 volumes with 6 different significant arcs. As expected of a murder series, each volume often contains a mysterious murder that miraculously always involves our protagonist, Ii (N.B. I will be covering my views on his character later on in the review). One may ask why I am praising the narrative of Zaregoto so highly, and having the nerve to award it full marks. To that, I would first retort to be patient and wait for my response but would say that it isn't exactly someone that can be answered.The Nonsense Series is excellent in setting the scene and can foreshadow events through minute details that the reader would more likely than not be able to notice. Zaregoto creates a false sense of certainty when the reader feels that they can solve the mystery that our protagonist is faced with. Contrary to expectations, however, this clarity is crushed and destroyed without fail - with the help of the World's Strongest Contractor. Each case presents itself with a seemingly straightforward format (take Volume 2 - Strangulation Romanticist) per se where the answer appears to be solvable by the snap of a finger but such a thought is devoured by the volume's conclusion.
It's not to say that the story is without a hint of eerieness. Characters introduced include serial killers and such who appear briefly and then fade away by the end of the arc. However, it would be naïve to dismiss them as simple throw-away characters as each serves their importance. As importantly, Zaregoto enjoys bringing up philosophical ideas that challenge the minds of all, meaning both the characters in the story and the reader. It doesn't just let you read the story but also ensures that you have much to think about.
The story of Zaregoto is one that I am unwilling to spoil - it simply is that exquisite.
Characters: 100/100
___The series' characters are brilliant, though my immense adoration of the cast is indescribable in words alone. I will, however, attempt to briefly explain why this is the case.
Ii
_
戯言遣い
Our protagonist Ii, Ii-chan, the Nonsense User (whatever you would like to call him) appears to be uncaring about the world around him, and baths in supposed self-centeredness dabbles in simplicity but ultimately coats himself in indifference. Contrarily, to the impressions one has already constructed in their mind, Ii is not only intelligent but is possibly one of the most in-depth characters in media. The user of 'Nonsense' is much more than meets the eye and as the narrative progresses, the mysteries of our protagonist are unravelled, unfolded and revealed. This is done in an ingenious, subtle manner that creates a sense of both attachment and wild curiosity for the reader. Ii is certainly a well-developed, well-crafted and beautifully written character, certainly surpassing popular MCs like YouZitsu's Ayanokouji and Nisio Oisin's successor of Araragi from the Monogatari Series - at least in my books.
__
The other characters in the series can certainly not be ignored either, though to maintain my sanity I shall refrain from analysing them in detail. That being said, several characters certainly do stick out to me - Jun Aikawa, Tomo Kunagisa and Hitoshiki Zerozaki. Though perhaps not at the same level as our MC, these characters also play an irreplaceable role in the story that should not be ignored in the slightest. On a side note, I think it's interesting to see how certain characters have served as a basis or inspiration at the very least in the future work of the author. I see a resemblance of Jun Aikawa in several characters featured in Monogatari - namely Izuko Gaen.
It would leave a slightly bitter taste in my mouth if I did not at the very least share my favourite characters in the series. Ii is one of my favourite protagonists of all time, and my favourite male characters currently. In second place is Ichihime Yukariki, please read on to understand. Finally, the last podium place is shared by the trio mentioned in the previous paragraphs, as they are also characters that I have grown to love.
Worthy of a Mention - My Favourite Quotes
Spoiler, click to view
I hated deciding. I hated choosing. I was unable to be interested in others. I was unable to be interested in myself. I hated conflict with people. I hated being laughed at. I could not laugh. I could not cry. I could not enjoy nor get angry. I could not do anything. I did not feel anything. I did not attain anything. I broke them because I could. I wanted them but I could not so I destroyed them. I wanted them so I threw them away. I wanted to trust them so I betrayed them. I liked them so I rejected them. I wanted to protect them so I hurt them. It felt homely so I escaped. We were friendly so I was lonely. I was envious so I crushed them. Necessities until they were unnecessary. Fondness until hatred. I acted like a cold person. I acted like a shallow person. I acted like a wise person. I acted like a smart person. I acted like a foolish person. I acted like a person. I mimicked someone else. I was unable to mimic someone else.Spoiler, click to view
Why didn’t I notice that until now? That I was so blessed. That I was so happy. Remember it. Remember it all. Hime-chan’s words. Hime-chan’s appearance. Down to the last strand of hair….. I couldn’t forget her even if I tried. It would be so much easier for me to forget her but, even then, I couldn’t. How could I have forgotten that even though it was so much fun? I want to shout it out. Even now, I want to go and tell her with all my heart. That even if it was only for a short while, you’ve managed to bring joy to a single hopeless person, to someone who had no happiness in his life. And not to just me. To Miiko-san and everyone else too. I’m sure to Aikawa-san too. What was I born for? With what meaning was I born? At the very least… not to feel like this. If it was to feel like this, then I would rather have not been born. If it was for this pathetic feeling, for the feeling like it would be far better to just die, I would rather have not been born. That’s what I had thought. I don’t have any intention to take it back. There’s no way I could take it back. I came to think that everything was a mistake. I came to think that living itself was a mistake. I came to think that everything was a failure. I came to think that not dying itself was a failure. Then why is it? Really, why is it? That I still wouldn’t wish that I had never known Hime-chan….__
Spoiler, click to view
So I closed my eyes... I'm starting to feel sleepy... Let's just fall asleep like that. I don't know if I'm going to wake up tomorrow. That too will depend on the Story to come. If I'm not going to die, I won't die, no matter what. If I'm going to die here, then that would be it. No matter how much I struggle it's useless. After all, it's not like I have anything I want to do. I have neither hopes nor wishes. That's why it's fine either way. Either way, it doesn't matter. Do as you like. It's always been like this. I don't know if I'm alive or dead. Vague and unclear, half-assed and hazy, not choosing anything and letting myself go along with other people, I've led an uncertain and unambiguous life, that's why... "...I don't want to die..." Like that. I realised I was alive I learned that at what moments I cried.Spoiler, click to view
Goodbye, Kunagisa Tomo. You go die. I will kill you and go on living. Enjoyment: 100/100
I can easily say that reading through the Nonsense Series was an exciting, thrilling and utterly supreme adventure that I enjoyed every minute of. I don't reckon that I need to say anymore.
Final Thoughts
The Zaregoto Series is certainly an existence that I can easily call a masterpiece, probably the second-to-best anime or book series that I have had the honour of consuming (after Madoka Magica).
If you managed to read through the entire review, I would first like to thank you, I do appreciate it - I really do.
___