The Graveyard Apartment

Part of my problem was the very, very awkward translation. Translations are tricky. And I've read a number of unfortunate translations of Asian-language novels. When you translate–which is a difficult job, I realize–you should some measure of writing talent, so words flow easily, naturally. And perhaps put a glossary in the back for explaining cultural differences and defining terms. Don't try to wedge the explanation into the sentence, because that's just wayyyy to awkward.

Also, maybe building codes in Japan were terrible, but why would anyone build a building with only elevator access to the basement? That's absurd. There are a number of absurdities that make the action hard to swallow. The ill-defined evil presence that puts its dirty hands all over the front doors can also vaporize people and cars! It can keep the elevator from working and keep one from opening doors and windows, but it ALSO uses the elevator! And we NEVER know what the creepy thing is! Is it a demon? Evil dead people? There is also an underground road to nowhere that it part of the climax (such as it is), but it is under utilized. So is a dead first wife.

Some of the characters are unlikable, but I'm not sure they're all supposed to be. And part of it might be the translation, which is so stiff that it's hard to discern the personalities of characters, or if they even HAVE personalities.

All of this is a pity, because I didn't hate this book. I just wanted to like it so much more.