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evening_person's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-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? Yes
3.0
One of the most achingly ‘90s pieces of media I have ever consumed. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone who is familiar with the existence of the film, whether or not they have seen it. I would recommend this book to someone who likes unsolvable mysteries and watching bad things happen to bad people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Cursing, Death, Hate crime, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Transphobia, Medical trauma, and Alcohol
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, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Transphobia
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Domestic abuse, Blood, Vomit, and Injury/Injury detail
pimmles's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship
Moderate: Death, Rape, and Sexual violence
Minor: Alcoholism, Cursing, Drug use, Physical abuse, Transphobia, Violence, Medical content, Murder, and Alcohol
Regarding the "minor" transphobia tag, not 100% accurate, more intersex-phobia details ahead:judassilver's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
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
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Transphobia, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic
lexxluthor's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Alcoholism and Terminal illness