ZOO

It is one of my favourite book in the world. I bought this book even though I have read the Chinese version a few times already. I love the stories so much that I bought the English version without a second thought. Would love to read the Japanese version one day. The author Otsuich never disappoints me.

Each of the short stories are special and memorable. A thrilling and a chilling read.

A collection of fantastically original and grim stories, perfect for horror fans.

As I'm currently dipping into new Japanese authors, I thought I'd give Otsuichi a try, so I bought this and his novel 'Goth'. I really can't say I enjoyed this collection. For me, horror stories are either genuinely terrifying or laughable (usually when they are simplistic with one-dimensional characters one couldn't care less about, and full of silly plot-holes or ludicrous 'frightening' ideas). Too many of these stories were in the latter category. A house made of corpses? Really? As for the tales that (I suppose) purported to be surreal, I didn't feel he pulled these off either. I found the writing - especially the dialogue - rather flat, though whether this is the author's fault or the translator's, I can't tell. I will give 'Goth' a read, as I've already bought it but, on this showing, I may not get to the end. I won't be as tenacious as I was with this one. Two stars, only just.

Short and sweet review, just to say I'd recommend this to fans of horror short stories. This is an excellent collection of short stories - well written, with a bit of chilling, a bit of horror, well-written and gives food for thought.

the book was in good conditions and the shipping was right on timeGreat book with short tales of horror, each one of them with a twisted plot twist so entertaning as outsuichi usually do

Quick delivery, nice quality. Love the short stories mixed kinky and touching elements. The last story is my favorite.

"Zoo" is more interested in presenting compelling situations than anything else. This is made clear by the simplistic prose, which is just enough to get the job done. It's not exactly fair of me to judge the author, Otsuichi, by a translation of his work, but that's all I can do. I have no idea how this stuff reads in Japanese.So it's the ideas behind the stories that matter here, and most of them are pretty good. There are three standout stories: "Zoo," "Yoko and Kazari," and "Seven Rooms." The rest are solid, but those three steal the show. I won't describe the plots of any of them because slowly figuring out what's going on is part of the pleasure of reading this collection.These stories are pretty gloomy and downbeat. There are some exceptions, but in general if you don't like black humor you probably won't appreciate them very much.If you do like black humor, I highly recommend this collection.

absolutely in love its in fantastic condition .the shipping was really fast I am very happy with my order. I thought it was funny that it still had all the library tags on it but I love he book none the less .its a great collection of short stories in one book. very happy.

Zoo is aptly named, besides it a short story in the book, as it is filled with a mix of interesting horror themed stories. Some stand out above the others; my favorites being "In a Falling Airplane" and "In a Park at Twilight, a Long Time Ago". Otsuichi never fails to deliver twists and turns in an horrifyingly entertaining way. Worth reading through!