Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
"A bizarre set of mysteries have befallen the Kuonji household. Kyoko Kuonji is said to be with child for the last twenty months, and her husband Makio disappeared a few months prior to her pregnancy. The odd circumstances have left the family with no one to turn to for help, until a freelance writer asks his exorcist friend to take on the case. The catch-the exorcist does not believe in ghosts. To Akihiko "Kyogokudo" Chuzenji, the supernatural is as much metaphysical and mental as it is unearthly." "The Summer of the Ubume was the debut work by the Neil Gaiman of Japanese mystery fiction - Natsuhiko Kyogoku. Weaving together intrigue and Kyogoku's passion for Japanese folklore, particularly the paranormal and preternatural, this Summer gives birth to a new form of Japanese fiction." --Book Jacket.
Is The Summer of the Ubume appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
A cerebral supernatural mystery blending Japanese folklore with detective fiction. Focuses on psychological investigation rather than graphic content, though themes of prolonged pregnancy and mysterious disappearance may be unsettling. Minimal violence or sexual content.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include pregnancy.
Who'll love this
Teens who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with folklore elements and philosophical discussions about reality will find this thought-provoking.