Lafcadio Hearn's The Faceless Ghost and Other Macabre Tales From Japan

Wilson, S. M. & Mirokawa, M. (2015). Lafcadio Hearn's the faceless ghost and other macabre tales from Japan.  Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications, Inc.

This collection of translated stories includes the following titles: Diplomacy (a tale about how one's state of mind before death affects those you leave behind), The Snow Woman (a story about the effect of broken promises), Of A Mirror And A Bell (a tale about how devotion and determination can lead to uncertain results), Hoichi The Earless (a story of Hoichi, a blind biwa player who plays for the dead), The Faceless Ghost (a retelling of an encounter with a faceless woman in the mountains), and The Gratitude of the Samebito (a tale about how a true act of kindness can have big rewards). In each tale, characters experience internal conflict, conflict with the past, honor, and the consequences of betrayal.

Japanese tales have been the inspiration for movies like The Grudge, which I thought was incredibly scary, and the concept of The Snow Woman in one of the Tales from the Crypt films.  I chose this collection of tales to be afraid or have nightmares as I read them, honestly; however, I can find appreciation for the art of Japanese storytelling.  Unfortunately, I longed to feel fear as I read.  Needless to say, I found fulfillment, a sense of culture, and suspense - especially after I read The Faceless Ghost and Of A Mirror And A Bell.

       

Sean Miller Wilson has also translated other stories from different languages and has collaborated with other illustrators.

Requirement: Great Graphic Novels For Teens

Book cover found on Amazon.com

Video found on YouTube.com