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hannahmadeline's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
4.5
This book was incredible! I don't gravitate towards short stories too often, but was very pleasantly surprised by these. There was a review on the back that stated these stories created a simultaneous environment of disaster and beauty and that could not be more true. The suspense was palpable, and even while the content was shocking and at times cruel, the writing and development were so beautiful, and that parallel was incredible. I read this compulsively basically in one sitting. Disturbing for sure, but really really well done.
katelynlemay's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The first two stories were incredibly unsettling (complimentary). The third one seemed like a bit of a letdown after the first two, and I’m generally bored with disability as a metaphor in literature.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
miffydoll's review against another edition
dark
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? Yes
3.75
taleofabibliophile's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content and Pregnancy
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, and Blood
Minor: Ableism, Alcoholism, Gore, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Suicide, Excrement, and Vomit
erikawynn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
3 dark and disturbing novellas from Yoko Ogawa — loved the chlorinated vibes of the Diving Pool, was freaked out by the actions of Pregnancy Diaries, and left a little confused about what was actually going on in the most subtle of the 3, the Dormitory.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Vomit, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Pedophilia
lectornomada's review against another edition
2.0
Nunca un embarazo había sido tan perturbador. Tendré que preparar mermelada de pomelo envenenada.
Sensorial, tenebroso y todo lo que quieras, pero ese final me ha dejado muy frío. Oscuridad, tensión silenciosa y desazón.
Sensorial, tenebroso y todo lo que quieras, pero ese final me ha dejado muy frío. Oscuridad, tensión silenciosa y desazón.
kwooosh's review against another edition
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
leasttorque's review against another edition
4.0
Thematically rich, deeply disturbing, masterfully executed triplet of stories about the beauties and perversions of body and mind. The descriptive language is so perfectly chosen and evocative of memories and uncertainties and joys that I came out of this book both buffed up and scarred. The author is a master of creeping dread yet takes us someplace unexpected. So original and under-appreciated.