A selection of deliciously spooky short stories from the Japanese master of suspense, the acclaimed author of RING. The film DARK WATER is based on the first story in the collection.
Suzuki demonstrates the power of his psychological insight into the mechanics of fear in this highly atmospheric collection of stories unified by the theme of water.
Following her divorce, Yoshimi Matsubara lives with her five-year-old daughter Ikuko in a depressing and damp apartment block on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. But when a child's red bag keeps turning up in unexpected places, Yoshino's sanity seems to be threatened, and she soon begins to fear that her daughter's life is at risk.
Kensuke Suehiro jumps at the chance to visit a restricted island in Tokyo Bay, about which he once heard a rather strange story. But when he arrives, he finds far more than he bargained for.
Fisherman Hiroyuki is embittered and unhappy in his marriage. But getting rid of his wife turns out to be anything but easy, especially when his own boat seems to be against him.
Family man Sugiyama finds himself trapped in an underwater cave. Can he find a way to communicate with his beloved son one last time?
Just four examples from this beautifully crafted collection of stories filled with suspense, tension and drama. A perfect introduction to one of Japan's top literary stars.
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[Whenever her son and his family came down from Tokyo to spend time with her, Kayo would take her little granddaughter Yuko out on early morning walks - DARK WATER]***
(HarperCollins, 15 October 2009, first published 1996, 304 pages, ebook, bought from @AmazonKindle)
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I enjoyed all of the stories in this collection. I was expecting more straight horror and the stories contain elements of horror but touch on other genres as well including suspense. If you want straight-forward horror stories this collection won't satisfy you. If you want well-crafted stories with elements of horror, mystery and suspense this collection is perfect. The best stories are the opening story, Floating Water (the source for the movie Dark Water) and Solitary Isle. The other stories are good but these two were just a fraction better. The final story, Forest Under the Sea is the creepiest story in the collection. This is well worth diving into. Though make sure you have some kind of weapon as things lurk below.
