I read this as a kid/teen before it was finished (or at least finished translated). As I was a troubled teen I came back to it many times because I could relate. As well as finding comfort in the gruesomeness of it all. As a concept I think it still holds up today, but it’s a hard read. The characters are terribly misogynistic, I would even argue that the author is too to some extent (the female characters are always in the background, they are never part of important conversations and they mostly act as love interest or for plot development). I also think the author has a skewed view on suicide which impacts the whole story as it depends and revolves around exactly that. I am and will be biased towards it though as it holds a sentimental value for me. I’m looking forward to rereading holyland, and the prequel to Jisatsutou (suicide Island) named Muhoutou (lawless island), and after that Mori Koujis other works.
I read this as a kid/teen before it was finished (or at least finished translated). As I was a troubled teen I came back to it many times because I could relate. As well as finding comfort in the gruesomeness of it all. As a concept I think it still holds up today, but it’s a hard read. The characters are terribly misogynistic, I would even argue that the author is too to some extent (the female characters are always in the background, they are never part of important conversations and they mostly act as love interest or for plot development). I also think the author has a skewed view on suicide which impacts the whole story as it depends and revolves around exactly that. I am and will be biased towards it though as it holds a sentimental value for me. I’m looking forward to rereading holyland, and the prequel to Jisatsutou (suicide Island) named Muhoutou (lawless island), and after that Mori Koujis other works.