A review by sakisreads
Out by Natsuo Kirino

challenging dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I’ve never put ‘It’s complicated’ to all of those questions above before 😂
In every turn of this book though, that’s how it feels. Masako, the ringleader, clearly goes through so many different phases and although there’s a real change in her character and a confidence that comes forth, it never felt easy to label. I suppose that is what makes it such a gripping read, is that every single character has their flaws and nothing is ever binary (good or bad) 😳

I actually really appreciated Kazuo and his struggle of ‘not assimilating’; I think Japanese society has a very big problem with ‘othering’ and that was very evident.

The descriptions in this book are VERY gory so if you feel a bit squeamish about blood etc., this one might not be for you 🥺 I’ll put content warnings below!

4 out of 5 stars from me! I was hooked until the very end! The end itself I was a bit disappointed by, but I still enjoyed the book in general ✨ Thank you!

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