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catpdx's review against another edition
4.0
The stories themselves are beautiful, but this particular version is poorly laid out. Context is helpful, but it's too much, badly done, and completely disruptive. Read the stories on their own first; they're more enjoyable that way.
vanessaglau's review against another edition
4.0
Collection of short stories about ghosts, spirits and supernatural occurences by famous 18th century writer Ueda Akinari. The tales are largely based on Chinese and Japanese legends and may be hard to understand by those not well-versed in traditional Japanese culture and history. Yet the introduction and footnotes provide ample context and explanations, so it can be read and even enjoyed with little knowledge of Japan. Some tales were more interesting than others, but I did enjoy reading all of them and delving deeper into medieval Japan! (Ugetsu has been cited as major influence on Yukio Mishima as well, so there's that.)
miamizi's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lalibreriasottoilmare's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
festive_fossil's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia
kingjason's review
3.0
An interesting collection of old Japanese ghost/spirit stories. Each one has a lesson for you to learn, for example do not eat those that you love once they have died or you'll turn into a demon.
The stories are quite mixed, they were pretty gruesome at times, I'm sure when this was written they would have been terrifying but in this day an age they are tame.
The version I read had tonnes and tonnes of extra info about the characters, the setting, the plot and theories on what the story was about, I ended up skipping the last few as it was just too much and took away any of your own thoughts you have about each story, I'd recommend reading the story before the extra info.
Just realised this is the 1000th book I've read according to Goodreads. woooooo
The stories are quite mixed, they were pretty gruesome at times, I'm sure when this was written they would have been terrifying but in this day an age they are tame.
The version I read had tonnes and tonnes of extra info about the characters, the setting, the plot and theories on what the story was about, I ended up skipping the last few as it was just too much and took away any of your own thoughts you have about each story, I'd recommend reading the story before the extra info.
Just realised this is the 1000th book I've read according to Goodreads. woooooo
kheleyr's review against another edition
2.0
These classical Japanese Gothic tales made for interesting reading. The stories are made up of a nice mix of religion, philosophy, and folklore. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read this book while taking a class on Japanese folklore.... If and when that happen, I will re-evaluate.