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thexwalrus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
content warnings: rape and transphobia
structurally, i think this is one of the best horror novels i've ever read. it doesn't overstay its welcome and it's paced like a thriller more than a horror. that being said, though, the elements of the story are 100% pure horror, even though the mystery of how to save themselves after watching the tape is the driving force of the narrative.
on a sentence level, it's also beautifully written. it's snappy and natural, with conversations never feeling forced and characters' voices feeling extremely strong and distinct throughout. this is a credit to both the translator and suzuki himself. it manages to convey tension better than most books i've read recently - i actually had to put it down after the first viewing of the tape because i was so unsettled by it! it wasn't even that scary, but it was enough to make me feel creeped out. that's a huge point in its favor.
the casual discussion of rape, and one of the two focal characters being a rapist
the transphobia in the final act felt super unnecessary as well, despite arguably being a product of its time. it soured things for me. it was blatant and impossible to ignore, considering how much of a chapter it took up and how it was poised as a crux of the entire story. it didn't really need to be there? i'm sure you could skip over that part if it wasn't scattered throughout multiple paragraphs in the final few chapters - so i can't even provide page numbers for the physical copy to help out and make sure people know when it's coming. it starts when
the ending sent a chill through my spine, and while i'm normally a little apprehensive about horror stories that give you that wink and nudge that the horror wasn't truly over, this was the absolute best manifestation of it i've ever seen. it made me want to pick up the sequel. it made me want to watch the original movie that scared me shitless with previews alone when i was a kid! that's powerful. it was so interesting and compelling and it left me feeling mostly positive about the book, i think, but the above two points leave me so unsure on how to rate this.
if you go into this with knowledge of the way rape is discussed and the knowledge that transphobia is present, if you like horror, i think you may enjoy this. but those two factors are undoubtedly parts of this book and i don't blame you if it makes you skip it.
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Rape
ekkane's review against another edition
Graphic: Rape
bando_bauldio's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Sexual assault and Rape
anemosise's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Body horror, Sexual assault, Transphobia, Death, Misogyny, and Rape
onekid1egg's review against another edition
- 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? No
3.5
Moderate: Misogyny and Rape
Minor: Transphobia
jazmineteaa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Minor: Rape and Misogyny
pimmles's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Toxic friendship
Moderate: Sexual violence, Death, and Rape
Minor: Physical abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Cursing, Murder, Medical content, Transphobia, Violence, and Drug use
Regarding the "minor" transphobia tag, not 100% accurate, more intersex-phobia details ahead:loganreadshorror's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Sexism and Misogyny
Minor: Transphobia
kchin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Sexual violence, Suicide, Pregnancy, Child death, Death, Murder, Death of parent, Rape, Sexual assault, and Physical abuse
suzyrez's review against another edition
1.0
Moderate: Misogyny, Rape, Transphobia, and Sexual violence