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emilyorrwhat's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I did not expect how deep the conflict and the storyline would go with this book. It definitely kept me at the edge of my seat, unsettled the entire time. I’d definitely recommend to anyone who’s looking for a psychological horror that doesn’t hinge on paranormal stuff.
I also think this was an incredible translation! IMO, translated books can be hit or miss, but I felt like I got every nuance and detail Nonami has in the original book in this translation.
I also think this was an incredible translation! IMO, translated books can be hit or miss, but I felt like I got every nuance and detail Nonami has in the original book in this translation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Violence and War
hali's review
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
i guess it’s pretty easy to convince someone to join a cult when you’re nice and have copious amounts of hallucinogens. this book was so weird. the plot was predictable. noriko was a frustrating protagonist. she would talk herself in circles, tell people to THEIR FACE that she suspected them of murder, and was just terrible at sleuthing. her eventual acceptance of everything can be passed off as indoctrination but damn. idk what it would’ve took for her to get out of there by the end (maybe live murder?). her friend believing that the family was chill after one visit felt unrealistic too. and shouldn’t noriko’s mom give a shit that her daughter has practically cut off regular contact ???
this gets a 2.5 because i did find the first half of this to be genuinely tense and it leaned more into gothic horror. but the second half was repetitive and not scary. instead it was just…GROSS 🤮
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Incest, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Ableism
carleylightfoot's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting
Moderate: Incest