2007 Book Log #72: Dark Water, by Koji Suzuki

[annathepiper]

American horror buffs may not know the name of Koji Suzuki, but the American version of his work Ring remains to date the creepiest horror flick I've ever had the pleasure to watch. So when I came across several translated books of his during our Japan stay, I naturally had to pick one up. I recognized the title Dark Water from another American adaptation of his work, and while I'm given to understand that the movie actually wasn't all that impressive, I hoped that by going to the source I'd get a clearer idea of Suzuki's style in words rather than in film.

This book was a bit of a surprise, though, because it turned out to be a short story collection rather than a novel, and the title story is only the first in a series of stories all loosely connected by the theme of water. Also, the tagline "terror reaches new depths" on the cover was for me a little deceptive, but only because it implies a hardcore creep-fest like what we got in the American version of The Ring. The flavor of this work, on the other hand, was subtler than that--though no less effective. And unlike Ring, there's actually a glimmer of light at the end of the plot, thanks to a framing plot around the stories that actually ends on an up note and cleanses the palette. So all in all, not nearly as creeptastic as Ring, but fun all the same. Three stars.

Comments

[ghost-light.livejournal.com]

I really loved the progression of the stories and how the one in the theatre was the turning point of the entire collection thematically.

[annathepiper]

Ah, you're quite right about the theater one, which surprised me as I read it since it was indeed different than the ones that came before. :)

[ghost-light.livejournal.com]

That one still scared me a good bit at first, because I was working in an old theatre at the time and the roof leaked so badly I would have to wear a rain coat inside for 2 or 3 days after it rained.

Have you read he Ring sequels yet?

[annathepiper]

I have not read these! Actually, since I haven't read the novel version of The Ring yet, I should probably read that first. ;) But I'll be looking to see if I can buy any of Suzuki's works in local bookstores, in general.

[ghost-light.livejournal.com]

all 4 Ring books seem to be very available. Our local stores almost always has all of them plus his other 2 novels. I adore them, but be prepared for a wild ride! They really do manage to pull in small pox, just like one of the movies.

[annathepiper]

Sweet, I'll keep an eye out for 'em. Thanks for the tip!

[ghost-light.livejournal.com]

My pleasure. I am a junkie when it comes to those books and I have no one to share them with around here. I've tried to explain some of the plot twists to my hubby and he just rolls his eyes and makes snide comments.

[annathepiper]

*grin* Sometimes I suspect "making snide comments" is one of the spousal functions. But! I know what you mean.

I have high hopes of finding the Suzuki works at the local University Bookstore--I get several hits when I search for them on their site. I'll stop over there at my earliest opportunity!