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blackcatkai's review against another edition
4.0
3.5~ Otsuichi is my fave j-horror author and I wish hed come out with some new stuff!
kittyshep's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
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
_egg_wash's review against another edition
1.0
Did not finish. Got to chapter two of the third story and gave up. Very boring, unsatisfying endings and read as if written as a school essay.
nfleow's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
calexio's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
fast-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
3.75
taxidermies's review against another edition
dark
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
debumere's review against another edition
5.0
Otsuichi. I love him.
This is the second book of his that I have read and it was just amazing.
A series of short stories. Each one equally surreal. 'The White House in the Woods' is the one I can't get out of my head.
Fabulous. I honestly believe that Japan churns out the best novels. Big fan.
BIG FAN.
This is the second book of his that I have read and it was just amazing.
A series of short stories. Each one equally surreal. 'The White House in the Woods' is the one I can't get out of my head.
Fabulous. I honestly believe that Japan churns out the best novels. Big fan.
BIG FAN.