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juliawren's review
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 Japanese people believe 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, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Transphobia
Minor: Alcoholism, Vomit, Blood, Child death, Injury/Injury detail, and Domestic abuse
evey_ack's review
dark
mysterious
tense
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Rape, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Suicide
novellearts's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
4.0
I’m a bit conflicted on this book. I ended up giving it a 4 because is I still found it enjoyable.. but there were parts of the story that I found extremely unnecessary.
Why did the author find it necessary to have the best friend Ryuji admit to raping a girl? And why did Asakawa not do anything about that admission? Not only that but then there’s a second rape at the end with Sadako who turns out to be intersex and is then murdered.
This is one of the rare occurrences where I did enjoy the film more than the book. I missed the possession aspect that the film gave to this story.
This is one of the rare occurrences where I did enjoy the film more than the book. I missed the possession aspect that the film gave to this story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Death
saldre's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pandemic/Epidemic, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, Violence, Child death, Murder, Rape, Suicide, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Transphobia, and Death
brainpills's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Suicide
devynrj's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Murder, and Rape
lunahbee's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Fun to read the story behind the movie. Characters are mostly awful and infuriating human beings.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual assault, Transphobia, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Rape, and Suicide
It’s important to keep in mind the context with which this book was written when reading. It was written 20 years ago in a country different from my own (USA), so there is discussion of some things that are obviously offensive in modern, western culture.je_fancyb's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I think this was ahead of its time in a lot of fun ways and unfortunately OF its time in some others. Moves at a really good clip but some developments just Happen with little reason and the text does itself a disservice by pointing it out
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Rape, Violence, Suicide, and Transphobia
jaylee_books's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Transphobia, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Death, Child death, and Rape
Moderate: Chronic illness and Death of parent
kchin's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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
It's all sorts of messed up. There must be significance to some parts of the book that I didn't grasp but it's likely cultural nuances. As a long time horror fan I'm happy to have finally read this cult classic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Suicide, Pregnancy, Child death, Death, Murder, Death of parent, Rape, Sexual assault, and Physical abuse