Another

Yukito Ayatsuji’s “Another” revolves around a boy named Kouichi Sakakibara, a high school student who has poor health, often leading to his lungs rupturing. As this happens before the entrance ceremony of his first day of high school, he is unable to leave the hospital. When this occurs, he meets a girl named Mei Misaki, wearing a Yomiyama uniform (where he was to attend) and a medical eye patch on the elevator as he was exploring. He ends up following her, leading himself to the morgue. Upon seeing this, he asks why she’s there, and she simply says “giving a present to an old friend”, carrying a porcelain doll and walking away. As the story unfolds, it tells of how everyone ignores Mei because of a curse, that one student has to be ignored, since they’re already believed to be dead. “Kill the dead.” Said curse has apparently killed many people connected in any way to the class and students of 3-3, coincidentally being Kouichi and Mei’s class. The story revolving around the curse is that 20 years before, a student also by the name of Misaki (gender and first name unknown to the reader), loved by students and teachers alike, and died unexpectantly in a horrible accident (also unknown to the reader). When Misaki died, everyone was mourning over their death. Then, a random student called out and said “what are you guys talking about? Misaki’s still alive. They’re right there.” And pointed to Misaki’s desk. As soon as the student had said that, it sparked an idea in the minds of students and teachers associated with class 3-3, to the point of even including Misaki’s desk during graduation. Years passed, and the curse began. Once Kouichi hears about this, he decides to talk to Mei anyway, even if he’s shunned by the students. Together, they try to find a way to end the curse once and for all.

This story was beautifully portrayed, including excruciating details and plot. Although a little slow at first, the way it ties together is wonderful and the plot always has you reeling in. The deaths described intensely, never forgetting on single detail of blood and horror. It feels as if you’re really experiencing what these characters are. The book itself is incredible, a true masterpiece. The eerie feeling it also gives you makes you feel an incredible force, it’s hard to believe someone could write something so well. The character development was also a plus, always bringing you to love the characters no matter what. Truly a horror filled with pure grace.

Also, an anime and live action adaption of these were made, and those too were just as incredible. The way it came to life was jaw dropping and simply lovely.

Book Review by Laura D.