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juliawren's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Transphobia
Minor: Alcoholism, Vomit, Blood, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, and Domestic abuse
saldre's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, Violence, Child death, Murder, Rape, Suicide, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Transphobia, and Death
xavz_'s review against another edition
1.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual violence
devynrj's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Suicide, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Murder, and Rape
jaylee_books's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Suicide, Transphobia, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Death, Child death, and Rape
Moderate: Chronic illness and Death of parent
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: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
choco_bunbun'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
3.75
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Blood and Misogyny
Minor: Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Grief, and Transphobia
emmiebee'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? Yes
2.0
Very early on in the story we're introduced to MC#2 or main support and he's introduced to us as the guy who broke into a girl's house and raped her. Wtf!? Our MC doesn't like this about him but chooses to remain his friend for decades later. Ok. (It's so the author can justify him seeing the tape) how dark he is is brought up multiple times and supposedly the key to realizing what actually happened to our dead girl. (The use of the word supposedly is explained in the spoiler section). The MC isn't a great person either the only time he expressed any positive emotions for his family was when their lives were at risk. I read this having not read the reviews because a "friend" said it was so good, hah. Seriously don't read the spoiler if you plan on reading the book. There's nothing interesting about this once the why of it all is revealed. It doesn't even do the suspense thing well. I would've been *slightly* more invested if they had added a little something to it like the closer they came to the day the more they were feeling watched, or seeing shadows out of the corner of their eyes, or really anything other than the MC reminding us how many days are between him and a week.
Moderate: Sexual violence, Murder, and Rape
Minor: Rape, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia