Bakemono Yashiki (The Haunted House), Retold from the Japanese Originals   By: James S. De Benneville

Bakemono Yashiki (The Haunted House), Retold from the Japanese Originals by James S. De Benneville is a captivating compilation of traditional Japanese ghost stories that will undoubtedly give readers an eerie and haunting experience. Through his meticulous translation and storytelling skills, De Benneville successfully brings to life the ancient tales of supernatural entities lurking in haunted houses.

As a reader, one is immediately drawn into the enchanting world of Japanese folklore. The author's retelling of these stories maintains the essence and cultural authenticity of the original texts, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Japanese traditions, beliefs, and superstitions.

Each story within the book is uniquely distinct, exploring various themes of love, loss, vengeance, and redemption. What sets this compilation apart is De Benneville's ability to effortlessly recreate the chilling atmosphere and palpable tension, ensuring that readers will be gripped by these hair-raising tales from beginning to end.

Furthermore, the characters, both human and supernatural, are intricately developed and hold a mysterious allure. From vengeful spirits to benevolent yokai, each entity possesses its own motivations and characteristics that add depth and complexity to the narratives. De Benneville successfully conveys the enigmatic nature of these creatures, leaving readers questioning their intentions and keeping them on edge throughout the entire book.

Moreover, the vivid descriptions of settings and scenery transport readers directly into these ghostly realms. The author's attention to detail paints a picturesque landscape, from the ancient wooded paths to the dilapidated houses that hold dark secrets. Through these settings, a sense of foreboding is masterfully created, heightening the overall sense of haunting and unease.

One aspect that may disappoint some readers is the occasional inclusion of traditional Japanese terms and names without a glossary or explanation. While this does add authenticity to the stories, it may hinder the comprehension for those unfamiliar with Japanese culture. However, this should not deter readers from enjoying the overall narrative, as the essence of the stories remains accessible despite these small hurdles.

In conclusion, Bakemono Yashiki (The Haunted House), Retold from the Japanese Originals by James S. De Benneville is a truly mesmerizing collection that showcases the allure and mystique of traditional Japanese ghost stories. With his exceptional storytelling and translation skills, De Benneville expertly captures the chilling atmosphere, memorable characters, and cultural richness of these tales. This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the supernatural, history, and folklore, offering a thrilling journey into the macabre depths of Japanese tradition.

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TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES Accents and diacritical marks have generally been standardised. Where there is a single instance of a word with an accent, and one without, no change has been made to the original (e.g. Shigenari/Shigénari, Uesugi/Uésugi). The letter o with a macron is represented as o[u]. The letter u with a macron is represented as u[u]. The letter e with a macron is represented as e[e]. Kanji and hiragana characters in the original book are shown enclosed in square brackets: for example, [sara]. The italicisation of Japanese words has been standardised. Hyphenation and capitalisation has been standardised. Punctuation and obvious printer's errors have been corrected... Continue reading book >>