Nails and Eyes

A young girl loses her mother, and her father invites his secret lover into the family home to care for her. This new interloper remains indifferent to the girl, who records her every move, and she realizes too late what she has failed to see. "Nails and Eyes" is a tense, subtly disturbing literary horror from a prize-winning Japanese writer that builds to a conclusion of disturbing power. It is paired with two additional stories of unsettled minds and creeping tension, introducing a daring new voice in Japanese literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2023
Publisher: Pushkin Press

A young girl loses her mother, and her father, in a state of blind infatuation, invites his secret lover into the family home to care for her. As she desperately strives to create a pristine existence, this enigmatic interloper remains indifferent to the girl, who, with an eerie sense of observation, seems to document her every move. It is only when the truth finally unravels that she realizes the horrifying extent of her blindness, and the chilling consequences that await her.

Nails and Eyes, a masterful work of literary horror, unfolds with a tense and unsettling atmosphere. Through meticulous narrative control, the story builds to a conclusion of disturbing power. Paired with two additional stories that delve into the depths of unsettled minds and creeping tension, this collection introduces a daring new voice in Japanese literature.

The protagonist, a young girl, is left to navigate a world of loss and confusion after the sudden death of her mother. Her father, consumed by his own desires, seeks solace in the arms of his secret lover, bringing her into the family home. The girl, unable to comprehend the motivations behind her father's actions, becomes increasingly isolated and vulnerable.

As she attempts to create a sense of normalcy in her new environment, the girl begins to notice strange occurrences around her. She senses a presence that seems to be watching her every move, and she starts to document her observations in a notebook. The girl's obsession with order and perfection intensifies, and she becomes increasingly aware of the darkness that lurks within her family home.

However, the interloper, who remains shrouded in mystery, shows no interest in the girl's well-being. She is cold and distant, and the girl feels as if she is constantly being scrutinized. As the story progresses, the girl begins to unravel the truth about her father's infidelity and the sinister intentions behind his actions.

The conclusion of Nails and Eyes is a chilling and haunting one. The girl's realization of the extent of her blindness and the consequences of her father's actions are both tragic and terrifying. The story leaves the reader with a sense of unease and discomfort, as it explores the dark corners of human nature and the lengths that people will go to in order to satisfy their desires.

In addition to its powerful narrative, Nails and Eyes is also notable for its atmospheric writing. The author skillfully creates a sense of foreboding and tension, using vivid descriptions and sensory details to immerse the reader in the story's world. The use of symbolism and metaphor adds depth and layers of meaning to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking and memorable read.

Overall, Nails and Eyes is a must-read for fans of literary horror and those who are interested in exploring the darker aspects of human nature. With its masterful storytelling and atmospheric writing, this collection introduces a daring new voice in Japanese literature and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Weight: 132g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782279549