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juliawren's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There are definite tones of misogyny and seriously fucked up characters (please for the love of God check the content warnings), but that's what made this such an addicting read. I could hardly put it down.
Forget morally gray - this is on the same level as Lolita. Whether or not some of the themes and ideas being presented are the author's or just a downright alarming depiction of misogyny present in Japanese culture when this was written, you'll need to approach this story with some serious media literacy to understand that it is 100% a social and philosophical commentary, and you should not agree with all of the characters or their actions because that is the point. There will definitely be times where you won't agree with the author, too (at least I seriously hope not), but I lean towards the belief that his personal ideology (while still sexist and displaying substantialvictim-blaming qualities that shouldn't be ignored) does not entirely align with these characters, especially given the ending (which, contrary to what many readers claim, does make perfect sense and has nothing to do with Sadako wanting to have a literal child - do y'all understand what a metaphor is??).
If you think the ending falls apart with the paranormal stuff, I'd recommend reading up on the Japanese concept ofcurses, as it differs considerably from American mythology/culture about ghosts. Weirdly, I'd also recommend Jujutsu Kaisen if you like anime or manga, since it gets into this concept and you can really understand how these kinds of curses are made.
That aside, the story was nearly as good as the American version (I didn't love the original as much but might give it another try after reading this). The mystery presented fit together perfectly by the end. Even having watched both movie versions and knowing the general plot / final twist, I felt the tension all the way through. This was a wonderfully chilling and terrifyingly disturbing read, and anyone who enjoyed the films and likes a good scare and can stomach horror, both real and paranormal, will enjoy it.
Forget morally gray - this is on the same level as Lolita. Whether or not some of the themes and ideas being presented are the author's or just a downright alarming depiction of misogyny present in Japanese culture when this was written, you'll need to approach this story with some serious media literacy to understand that it is 100% a social and philosophical commentary, and you should not agree with all of the characters or their actions because that is the point. There will definitely be times where you won't agree with the author, too (at least I seriously hope not), but I lean towards the belief that his personal ideology (while still sexist and displaying substantial
If you think the ending falls apart with the paranormal stuff, I'd recommend reading up on the Japanese concept of
That aside, the story was nearly as good as the American version (I didn't love the original as much but might give it another try after reading this). The mystery presented fit together perfectly by the end. Even having watched both movie versions and knowing the general plot / final twist, I felt the tension all the way through. This was a wonderfully chilling and terrifyingly disturbing read, and anyone who enjoyed the films and likes a good scare and can stomach horror, both real and paranormal, will enjoy it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Suicide, Transphobia, Rape, and Sexual violence
Minor: Vomit, Blood, Child death, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, and Alcoholism
novellearts's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m a bit conflicted on this book. I ended up giving it a 4 because is I still found it enjoyable.. but there were parts of the story that I found extremely unnecessary.
Why did the author find it necessary to have the best friend Ryuji admit to raping a girl? And why did Asakawa not do anything about that admission? Not only that but then there’s a second rape at the end with Sadako who turns out to be intersex and is then murdered.
This is one of the rare occurrences where I did enjoy the film more than the book. I missed the possession aspect that the film gave to this story.
This is one of the rare occurrences where I did enjoy the film more than the book. I missed the possession aspect that the film gave to this story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Death
saldre's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, Violence, Child death, Murder, Rape, Suicide, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Transphobia, and Death
figsofpeach's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Transphobia, and Rape
lunahbee's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Fun to read the story behind the movie. Characters are mostly awful and infuriating human beings.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual assault, Transphobia, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Rape, and Suicide
It’s important to keep in mind the context with which this book was written when reading. It was written 20 years ago in a country different from my own (USA), so there is discussion of some things that are obviously offensive in modern, western culture.oddpaw's review against another edition
2.5
Misogynistic transphobic trash. Only gets stars at all because Sadako is creepy AF.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape and Transphobia
je_fancyb's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I think this was ahead of its time in a lot of fun ways and unfortunately OF its time in some others. Moves at a really good clip but some developments just Happen with little reason and the text does itself a disservice by pointing it out
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Rape, Violence, Suicide, and Transphobia
vampirehelpdesk's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
One of the rare cases of the movie being better than the book. Honestly, all I got from this book is men are dogs, and I know that. I thankfully think that is the point and it’s not coming from the author’s own sexist views, so points for that. Just the most apathetic, misogynistic main characters. Sadako, girl, you have my support. Sadly, the scariest moment is the opening of the book, and the rest is two dudes, who are shit to women and are definitely a little gay for each other, trying to solve a Scooby Doo mystery. I am glad this book exists only because it spawned the American remake which is my hot take favorite horror movie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Rape
amothers's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Transphobia, and Homophobia
jaylee_books's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Transphobia, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Death, Child death, and Rape
Moderate: Chronic illness and Death of parent