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heidi_may91's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
blakelassahn's review against another edition
3.0
a lot of twists and turns! an overall good book. wish there were more spooky parts and encounters but it’s okay nonetheless
adon's review against another edition
3.0
I think the book was good. There are a lot of things in the book that were not in the movies, such as the changing of the main character from male to female. Also the character's best friend being a rapist. I am glad that was not in the movies and that was left out.
I have to say I liked the original Ringu and remake Ring better than the book.
And ironically funny, I finished the book in 7 days.
I have to say I liked the original Ringu and remake Ring better than the book.
And ironically funny, I finished the book in 7 days.
mattydata's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
akookieforyou's review against another edition
3.0
*3.5*
O.W.L.s Readathon 2019
I remember watching the American remake of the popular Japanese film when I was a young girl, and it terrified me. Since then it has always held a special place in my heart. More recently I watched Ringu for the first time, and I really enjoyed it even though I didn't find it all that scary. And now I have finally read the novel, and it was good.
I didn't think this was the most amazing book ever, in fact there were a couple things that bothered me a bit, one being the side character Ryuji. I was also pretty surprised to find out that the main character is actually a male reporter and not a woman like the films. Some of the atmosphere ended up being really creepy at times, but nothing was all that scary. Overall not too bad, but I prefer the adaptations.
O.W.L.s Readathon 2019
I remember watching the American remake of the popular Japanese film when I was a young girl, and it terrified me. Since then it has always held a special place in my heart. More recently I watched Ringu for the first time, and I really enjoyed it even though I didn't find it all that scary. And now I have finally read the novel, and it was good.
I didn't think this was the most amazing book ever, in fact there were a couple things that bothered me a bit, one being the side character Ryuji. I was also pretty surprised to find out that the main character is actually a male reporter and not a woman like the films. Some of the atmosphere ended up being really creepy at times, but nothing was all that scary. Overall not too bad, but I prefer the adaptations.
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
machosacho'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
danang's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75