Dark Waters: Book Review

Evenin' everyone, I am back with a review for the last book I read. I decided to stick with Japanese literature and picked up a Japanese horror book by the author of The Ring, Koji Suzuki. Dark Water is a short story selection that explores the water and trash.

While these items seem like trash to others what's interesting is they really aren't. These items can either heal or wreak havoc. You'll find the review below the cut; I'll try to keep it as spoiler free as possible.

The book opens with a prologue of an elderly woman, Kayo, that is anticipating her son's family visit and being able to take walks with her granddaughter around the cape. The cape has many items that wash up on shore and she tells her granddaughter scary stories based off the items. Kayo feels, "Each item of debris has its own tale to tell. Any particularly intriguing thing you amy come across on the beach is best left untouched--because it begins to tell its tale to you, as soon as you pick it up. Fine if the story is heartwarming, but if it curdles your blood, things will never be the same."

Floating Water

This story follows a recently divorced woman living with her daughter in an apartment building. Her daughter is the only child living in the complex. They find a child's bag and their misfortune begins. The thing I loved about this story is how smart the mother is; she is able to put things together and discover what's going on quickly. It's refreshing to see this happen because most American horror films rely people taking foreverrrr to figure out what's happening. I love how there is only two or three frightening moments, but these few moments keep you engaged and ready for the story's conclusion. 

Solitary Isle
Kensuke Suehiro has the chance to visit an uninhabited artificial island, Battery No. 6, to receive an answer to a question that has been haunting him. Kensuke's best friend, Aso, is a playboy with a mean streak. Aso revealed a chilling secret to Kensuke that he left on Battery No. 6. Kensuke finally gets the answer to his question. Regarding the ending, I wonder if in some twisted way did Aso's actions make Yukari happy. Especially since she wanted to build a paradise.

The Hold

Hiroyuki is a fisherman who has a violent temper. He comes home one day to find his wife gone. He decides to try to find her. This story was amazing, and unfortunately Ima have to supply some spoilers it was that good! I will admit I was completely shocked when he found her body. It was a great plot twist. I should have known because the story alluded prior that he would have outbursts and not remember them.

Dream Cruise

This story follows Masayuki Enoyoshi as he cruises on acquaintances' yacht. The Ushijimas are attempting to trap Masayuki into a pyramid scheme. Their plans are thwarted by something in the water. I loved how Masayuki refused to let the Ushijimas con him. I wonder why the couple was frightened by the boy's shoe in the water. It makes me wonder if they had something to do with his death.

Adrift

This was my favorite story out of the collection. It was a close tie between this story and The Hold. Sailors find an abandoned yacht on the sea; one sailor opts to stay abroad the boat for the night. He awakes in the morning to find himself alone as the yacht has disconnected from the ship.

Watercolors

A theatre company is putting on a production in an former night club. The troupe hopes this performance will propel them to the famous Kinokuniya Hall. This story was my least favorite; it did fit with the theme of trash (the shut down building), but I wouldn't consider it a horror or suspense story. It felt out of place amongst the other stories.

Forest Under the Sea
A man and his friend are looking for an underground cave. Against his judgement he decides to explore it a his friend's insisting. This story ties into the prologue and epilogue.

I enjoyed most of the stories and look forward to reading more from this author. My next book will be The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz. I've heard wonderful things about him and am excited to start this book. Thanks for reading!