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jcerva54's review against another edition
dark
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
haselmaus94's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
scottjp's review against another edition
4.0
Goth is a collection of stories revolving around a pair of teen-aged sociopaths. Morino and her classmate have no discernible emotions and a fascination with death and violent crime, and investigate it whenever such an incident comes their way. But they have no interest in stopping the criminals, nor assisting law enforcement. They do so only to sate their own curiosity.
I probably don't need to mention at this point that the protagonists (if you could call them that) are not a likeable duo, but they are compelling. I don't know what kind of psychological education the author has had, if any, but he gets inside their heads, as well as those of the killers they encounter, in a deeply convincing way.
One interesting feature of these stories is that they are told entirely in first person. That's not unusual, but what is is that the point of view changes regularly without warning or any clue that it has done, and it will take a bit of work on the part of the reader to puzzle out whose perspective he or she is experiencing. Sometimes the author deliberately misleads the reader, and there is one story, perhaps two, where you will have gotten it entirely wrong until you get to the very end. It makes you want to read it again to see how it all works.
This is a grim book that goes to very dark places. There is some gore, but it was the deviant psychological aspect I found most disquieting. Recommended for those who feel up to it.
I probably don't need to mention at this point that the protagonists (if you could call them that) are not a likeable duo, but they are compelling. I don't know what kind of psychological education the author has had, if any, but he gets inside their heads, as well as those of the killers they encounter, in a deeply convincing way.
One interesting feature of these stories is that they are told entirely in first person. That's not unusual, but what is is that the point of view changes regularly without warning or any clue that it has done, and it will take a bit of work on the part of the reader to puzzle out whose perspective he or she is experiencing. Sometimes the author deliberately misleads the reader, and there is one story, perhaps two, where you will have gotten it entirely wrong until you get to the very end. It makes you want to read it again to see how it all works.
This is a grim book that goes to very dark places. There is some gore, but it was the deviant psychological aspect I found most disquieting. Recommended for those who feel up to it.
shantayareads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
3.0
A disturbing tale of human cruelty. As much as I love horror, I typically enjoy a supernatural or psychological aspect. Goth is filled with monsters without reason and amoral, unempathetic observers. However, it is the car crash you can’t look away from and has a mysterious aura that keeps me going back for more.
After reading Otsuichi’s afterward, it is really interesting to think of the characters as yokai, Morino as a psychic who can detect yokai, and the stories not taking place in reality. The stories remain unsettling and cruel, but there’s a level of separation that makes them more palatable. Also, I won’t make any comments about how bad the title is, as the author already acknowledged that.
After reading Otsuichi’s afterward, it is really interesting to think of the characters as yokai, Morino as a psychic who can detect yokai, and the stories not taking place in reality. The stories remain unsettling and cruel, but there’s a level of separation that makes them more palatable. Also, I won’t make any comments about how bad the title is, as the author already acknowledged that.
ethanosboi's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
lullyjo's review against another edition
5.0
Don't be put off by the tacky title, this book is pretty gruesome. There were so many parts that made my stomach churn, but you can't stop reading. It's such an absorbing read and you honestly root for both Morino and the narrator to find some sort of light in the situation; you hold onto hope that they aren't as apathetic as they start out to be.
I will also highly recommend reading both Afterwards by Otsuichi, as it adds another depth to the story. There is so much to be analyzed in the world and characters he's created. Definitely one of the best dark reads I've had in a while.
I will also highly recommend reading both Afterwards by Otsuichi, as it adds another depth to the story. There is so much to be analyzed in the world and characters he's created. Definitely one of the best dark reads I've had in a while.