[Book Review] The Strange House 2

I mentioned last time that I enjoyed Uketsu's 'The Strange House'.
So, getting carried away, I decided to read 'The Strange House 2'.

I was sure that another story about a strange house would appear, and that it would unfold into an unbelievable... no, a story that goes beyond imagination.

That is what I thought.

When I opened it, I found it was written in a dialogue format.

I thought, 'Of course, this writing style again (lol)' as my first impression.

But I was sure that there would be... wait, is this a short story?
No, is it an omnibus?

It proceeds in an interview format, with short interviews being presented.

Moreover, the stories are cut off, and there is no punchline.
If I were to describe it in theatrical terms, it feels like a 'blackout'.

I don't know, it feels a bit like it ends abruptly.

Having said that, once I started reading, I had to finish it!
The author must have gone through a lot of trouble to write this.
Ending in the middle of things... well, that happens sometimes (lol).

Anyway, I kept reading.

Even so, it's long.
At 435 pages, it's quite thick.
My hands get tired reading while lying down.
I'm busy stretching my arms or flapping them around at times.
Even so, I keep rolling over and turning the pages.

In any case, I can't stop, I won't stop.
It's just like 'Kappa Ebisen'.

(Oh, maybe young people don't know this phrase (lol)?)

As I do this, I get drawn into the Uketsu world.

'Wait? You say it's an interview, but is this fiction?
No, is it a true story? No, no, there's no way something like this could actually happen.
Even so...'

That's what was spinning around in my head.

And for some reason, there are even notes from a child that have nothing to do with the house.

It's like prose

I wonder what this is... As I read on with that thought, the dots gradually connect

"Ah! I see, the doll that appears here! Wait... could it be"

If you find yourself thinking 'could it be,' you have probably fallen right into Uketsu's trap

I'm sure Uketsu is grinning right now (lol)

And so, I finished reading the 11 interviews
However, even though I finished the interviews, ending it here would feel incomplete

What lies beyond that is the mystery solving

Mr. Kurihara, who also appeared in The Strange House, solves the mystery with such ease
And the reader thinks, 'So that's what it was!'
It's like that

Just when I thought all the mysteries were solved and it was over
the protagonist starts to feel doubtful

He says something is "bothering him"

What is it, what is it, what is bothering you?!

The reader wants to retort, 'Wait, wasn't it solved?!'

And then, the story continues like a sequel
and the truth is revealed

It's the kind of thing that would even surprise Conan Σ(ﾟДﾟ)

Now, what kind of ending awaits?
That is for you to find out when you read it

It was long, but it was quite a rewarding read.

By the way, is this a true story or fiction?
I will reveal the answer to this part.

After I finished reading, I looked it up.
"The Strange House 2"
Is this fiction, or is it a true story?

When I searched for it, it seems many people think the same thing,
and I got some hits.

The result revealed that it is a work of fiction.

I see, to make someone think it's a true story to this extent with a work of fiction,
Uketsu-san is clearly no ordinary person.

If you are interested, please pick up a copy.
A world awaits you where you will think,
"I have never encountered a mystery like this before."

Published by Asuka Shinsha
"The Strange House 2"
Author: Uketsu

*I am also seriously writing short stories.