GOTH A Novel of Horror [Paperback]

Otsuichi (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: TokyoPop (October 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1427811377
• ISBN-13: 978-1427811370
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #604,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Goth (The Novel - not the manga!), October 7, 2009

By 

cynicalpink (New England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: GOTH A Novel of Horror (Paperback)

As usual, I'm leaving the plot details up to previous reviewers, amazon, and your own web browsing (others are much better at these things than I, anyway!).

In the past, I had enjoyed Otsuichi's other Tokyopop released novel, "Calling You". In that book, the author reached out to his readers with stories that, although simplistic in prose and construction, were heartrending and chilling. The three pieces of that novel, although possessing shocking twists, I would ultimately consider to be "dramas" (if I had to label them).

With Goth, Otsuichi has moved into a more solidly labeled mystery/horror genre. Once again, as with "Calling You", the material that makes up his stories is laid out with a brutal honesty which can push readers into an uncomfortable zone (I'm referring mostly to "Kids", from the other novel, with this reference).

Goth switches between a first and third person narrative. As I mentioned before, Otsuichi's writing style (in regard to prose) is somewhat simplistic. You won't find overly decorative descriptions or extravagant dialogue. However, that is not to say the writing is dry nor uncreative. On the contrary, when a scene is described, it feels like you're standing there and witnessing the story beyond the page. Analogies and similes, when used, are clever and memorable.

This writing style often gives the story an effortless sensation, as if the events that unfold are done so with sincerity and without emotional complication. The result? A novel that, regardless of how improbably or fantastic it is in some ways, feels terrifyingly realistic. Otsuichi doesn't give you a chance to remember that what you're reading is fiction. Events and people are described "as is", with a blood chilling indifference that pushes home the monstrosity of the crimes that are committed.

And yet, amidst all of this worn-on-the-sleeve writing, you have more than a fair share of complex issues and character motives to consider. By the end, I no longer always knew who I was sympathizing with or what I should be rooting for.

Finally, perhaps my lack of experience with mystery novels and movies is to blame (or I'm just gullible), but there were at least three stories that made my jaw flat out drop. At times it feels like everything is being spelled out for you, then wham!

Sum up of it: Recommended to horror fans who like some plot twists and intrigue mixed in with their gore. Also, if you're a fan of Dexter (the TV series), this might really hit it off with you, too.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpectedly excellent, December 24, 2008

By 

R. Getter (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: GOTH A Novel of Horror (Paperback)

For most, goth is a style, a fascination with darkness while standing safely in the light. In Otsuichi's "GOTH: A Novel of Horror", it's little more than a word that could only hint at the macabre nature of these characters and stories. GOTH is more accurately described as a collection of stories connected by the two main characters. Morino is quiet, virtually silent and goes to virtually any lengths to isolate herself from her classmates and repel those who are attracted to her pale beauty. Kitazawa is a kindred spirit, but one who has learned to put up a cheery, joking front that hide his true self. ("Can you teach me to smile like that?" Morino asks when they first meet.) Kitazawa has an innate ability to track down and uncover serial criminals of the most horrific kind. Morino has a similar knack for being singled out as a victim. This is how they are drawn together throughout the book. It is not quite a romance. Both would find the other's death as fascinating as they would their own.

The stories focus on perpetrators of incomprehensibly unspeakable crimes: a man who assaults victims to collect their hands, the serial murderer of pet dogs, an avid gardner who becomes fascinated with planting children alive in graves. Otsuichi lets us look into the minds of those who are most often described as mindless monsters. He is neither judgmental nor sensational. He leave both to the prattle of reality TV coverage and local gossip that serve as little more than background noise.

According to the book's afterword, Goth was Otsuichi's first attempt at the genre known as "light fiction" in Japan. Traditionally, these are works of simple plots and marginal writing quality, suitable to pass the time on trains and subways. In this effort, the author failed. Goth won one of Japan's most prestigious mystery writing awards. Even though this is not a "graphic novel" in the sense that another review implied (there are no pictures, it's all words), the images are vivid and the descriptions are truly immersive. He is a superb writer and storyteller. The endings of his stories are utterly unique. For a reader, it's like driving the last few miles of a twisting mountain road. But after a last turn where you expect to see the familiar lights of home, you discover that there is nothing under your wheels but darkness and you're left with that tingle of giddiness in the split second before you begin to fall.

There is a good chance that the success of this book may result in a movie deal in Japan. Sadly, the world has only known one director who could have done this book justice and that brilliant British immigrant to Hollywood passed away in 1980.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Word to the Wise: Read the Author's Note in the Back Before You Read the Book, April 1, 2010

By 

Lost Pilgrim (Middle of Nowhere) - See all my reviews

This review is from: GOTH A Novel of Horror (Paperback)

It helps explain the supernatural angle a bit better. An angle that would otherwise be kind of confusing.

That being said Goth is the story of how Japan is freakin' loaded with serial killers!! No I'm just playing, but reading this book you will certainly start to think that. What sets it apart from other serail killer stories is that the focus isn't just on one serial killer. It's an anthology, but one that is sewn so tightly together it resembles a single story. It starts with two young friends who find the diary of a serial killer, detailing the nightmarish torture of a young girl. And right from there it has its hooks in you. The main characters are spooky, yet surprisingly lovable. It has everything from twins playing suicide/murder, to a man who collects fresh hands, and leaves his victims alive & disabled. For those of us who revel in the gore of the splatterpunk era, it's as gory as any one of those. But it will leave you questioning whether you could honestly kill someone. The sign of an effective serial killer novel. So read if you dare!! If you like serial killer novels this is a must. A solid 4 out of 5. I would have given it 5 out of 5 had things been explained a little better. Otsuichi is the new Japanese voice of horror, so keep an eye out for his work :)