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sspaghettiboness's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
If you’ve enjoyed GOTH by Otsuichi, I will say that this book comes up a little short in comparison, but overall was still a great read.
The pacing and spread of the different short stories keeps it entertaining and easy to read. I also found that his portrayal of women in this book had a lot more depth than others by him that I’ve read. The prose was also, of course, gorgeous, gross, and I think would be very inspiring for other horror writers or those aspiring to it.
Overall, I found this book focused more on developing interesting stories as a whole, but still had the blinding plot twists I’ve come to enjoy from Otsuichi. The horror he portrayed in this book had a distinctly more human element, though generally unrealistic, seemed to stem from the real psyche (with his well thought demented twists), and I found myself reflecting on the meaning behind each chapter in a way that was enjoyable and gruesome.
The pacing and spread of the different short stories keeps it entertaining and easy to read. I also found that his portrayal of women in this book had a lot more depth than others by him that I’ve read. The prose was also, of course, gorgeous, gross, and I think would be very inspiring for other horror writers or those aspiring to it.
Overall, I found this book focused more on developing interesting stories as a whole, but still had the blinding plot twists I’ve come to enjoy from Otsuichi. The horror he portrayed in this book had a distinctly more human element, though generally unrealistic, seemed to stem from the real psyche (with his well thought demented twists), and I found myself reflecting on the meaning behind each chapter in a way that was enjoyable and gruesome.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Torture, and Violence
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