bibo26 's review for:

The Summer of the Ubume by Natsuhiko Kyogoku

2.5

challenging dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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The book is labeled as horror, but it’s really more of a psychological thriller—and a slow one at that. Despite a promising premise, it’s weighed down by long-winded philosophical discussions that drag the pace and sap any real tension. The eerie atmosphere never quite builds into anything scary, leaving the “horror” element nonexistent. It had potential, but it just didn’t meet expectations. Had it been marketed as something other than a horror it may have delivered, but alas.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Violence

Minor: Pedophilia, Rape