What makes Japanese novels weird?
Japanese novels can be weird because of their approach to reality and fantasy. They often blend the two in a seamless yet disconcerting manner. For instance, in some novels, normal daily life can suddenly turn into a dream - like or nightmarish scenario without much warning. The way they handle social norms and taboos is also different. They may expose or twist these norms in ways that seem very odd to an outsider. Moreover, the language itself can contribute. The use of certain Japanese words and expressions that have deep cultural connotations but seem strange when translated literally can add to the overall 'weirdness' of the novels.
Can you recommend some weird Japanese novels?
One of the rather strange Japanese novels is 'Kafka on the Shore' by Haruki Murakami. It has surreal elements like talking cats and fish raining from the sky. Another is 'The Tale of Genji', which is old but has some really unique and complex relationships and cultural oddities described. And 'Uzumaki' by Junji Ito is a horror - based novel that has a very weird and disturbing take on spirals and the town that gets obsessed with them.
What makes the best weird novels stand out?
The best weird novels stand out because they break the norms. They often have strange and unexpected plot twists. For example, in 'House of Leaves', the very structure of the book is part of the weirdness. They also create unique atmospheres. In 'At the Mountains of Madness', Lovecraft creates a sense of dread and mystery with his descriptions of the Antarctic landscape. And they can make the reader question reality, like 'The Crying of Lot 49' which has a complex web of possible interpretations.
What makes weird mystery novels so appealing?
The sense of the unknown. In weird mystery novels, there are often elements that are completely out of the ordinary. This keeps readers on their toes as they try to figure out things that are not based on common knowledge or experience. For example, in a novel with a supernatural mystery, like a haunted house mystery where the rules of the normal world don't apply.
What makes weird horror novels so appealing?
They break the norms. Unlike traditional horror which might rely on typical monsters like vampires or zombies, weird horror can combine various elements in unexpected ways. For example, a story might have a mix of psychological horror, Lovecraftian cosmic horror and some elements of science fiction. It's this blend that creates a unique reading experience. Weird horror novels also often have a dream - like or surreal quality. This can make the reader feel as if they are in a trance while reading, and it adds to the overall atmosphere of unease and horror. It's like being in a nightmare where the rules are constantly changing.
What makes Japanese novels trippy?
Often, Japanese novels are trippy because of their unique cultural elements. For example, in Japanese mythology and folklore, there are many strange creatures and concepts. Authors incorporate these into their stories, like Haruki Murakami often does with his use of supernatural elements. It gives the novels an otherworldly feel.
What makes a short story 'weird'?
A setting that is not of the ordinary can make a short story weird. Consider a story set in a post - apocalyptic world where the laws of nature seem to be different. For instance, the sky is always red and water flows uphill. These strange settings that deviate from our real - world experience create an atmosphere of 'weirdness'. They force the reader to suspend their disbelief and enter into a world that is both fascinating and strange.
What makes a visual novel 'weird'?
Well, there are several things. Firstly, the art style can make a visual novel weird. If it's very distorted or uses a combination of styles that don't usually go together. Secondly, the themes it explores. If it delves into very abstract or disturbing concepts like extreme existentialism or abnormal psychological states. And finally, the way the story is told. For instance, if it jumps around in time and space without much warning or explanation, that can make it seem really strange.
What makes a graphic novel 'weird'?
Unconventional characters play a big part in making a graphic novel weird. Characters that are half - human half - something else, or have very strange behaviors and motives. For instance, in some horror - themed graphic novels, the characters might have a very abnormal obsession. Another factor is the setting. If it's set in a world that defies the laws of physics or has a really strange social structure, it can be considered weird. For example, a world where people communicate only through dreams.
What makes a bedtime story 'weird'?
A bedtime story can be 'weird' if it has unusual characters or settings. For example, if the story has a talking frog who lives in a cloud castle, that's pretty weird. Also, strange plot twists can make a story weird. Like if a character who is supposed to be a hero suddenly turns into a villain for no good reason.
What makes a love story weird?
It could be things like unexpected plot twists, unconventional characters or strange circumstances. Sometimes, it's a combination of all these that make it weird.