Will make you sit back and think: Sea of Trees by @robhollywood #review

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Sea of Trees


Written by Robert James Russell



Genre: General Fiction, Suspense


Book Synopsis

Swirling mystery permeates Sea of Trees as Bill, an American college student, and his Japanese girlfriend Junko traverse the Aokigahara Forest in Japan—infamous as one of the world’s top suicide destinations—in search of evidence of Junko’s sister Izumi who disappeared there a year previous.

As the two follow clues and journey deeper into the woods amid the eerily quiet and hauntingly beautiful landscape—bypassing tokens and remains of the departed, suicide notes tacked to trees and shrines put up by forlorn loved ones—they’ll depend on one another in ways they never had to before, testing the very fabric of their relationship.

And, as daylight quickly escapes them and they find themselves lost in the dark veil of night, Bill discovers a truth Junko has hidden deep within her—a truth that will change them both forever.

Sarai's Rating





Sarai's Review


I was surprised at my reaction to this book. I am not sure what my expectations were going in, but coming out I was shocked at how much it haunted me. I had a few minor issues with this book and I have to admit I still don’t quite understand ending (no spoilers I promise). That being said this book does stick with you. The writing alone is beautifully haunting in its description.

During the book we learn of different people that have come to Aokigahara Forest to end their lives and why. We also learn that Junko’s sister Izumi was one of those people. From my experience and background I figured out pretty early on why Izumi killed herself, but I can see where it was a mystery to others.

The forest is beautifully described and each suicide was written in such a way I connect to most of the people. It drove me to understand why they would go forth with ending their lives.

The best part was learning about a different culture. Too many times when I read books like this I tend to see it in an American setting with only Americans. This time not only did I feel as if I was in Japan, but I understood a little more about their culture.

I wish Bill would have helped with that as an American visiting, but most of the imagery came from the writing itself and the suicide notes. Again it is a good book a little heavy, but one that will make you sit back and think. I enjoyed it and would like to see more from this author.

Review Disclaimer: This book was provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. The above review was not influenced in any way, including financial.