Another (novel)

Another (novel) Cover

Another is a Japanese mystery novel written by Yukito Ayatsuji, first published by Kadokawa Shoten in October 2009. The story is set in 1998 and focuses on a boy named Koichi Sakakibara who transfers to Yomiyama North Middle School and finds himself drawn into a mystery involving a series of inexplicable deaths among the students and staff of class 3-3. The novel blends elements of horror, mystery, and supernatural genres, creating a tense atmosphere that questions the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.

Plot

The plot of Another revolves around Koichi Sakakibara, who moves to his grandparents' house in Yomiyama due to his father's job overseas. Shortly after transferring to Yomiyama North Middle School, Koichi encounters a mysterious girl named Mei Misaki who wears an eyepatch and is seemingly ignored by all the other students and faculty. As Koichi interacts with his new classmates, he becomes aware of a dark secret surrounding class 3-3 and a series of gruesome accidents and deaths that have plagued the class for years. The students and staff are reluctant to talk about the curse that is said to be the cause of these incidents. Koichi and Mei team up to uncover the truth behind the curse, leading them to confront the chilling history of class 3-3 and the town of Yomiyama itself.

Characters

• Koichi Sakakibara: The protagonist who transfers to Yomiyama North Middle School and becomes involved in the mystery surrounding class 3-3.
• Mei Misaki: A mysterious girl who wears an eyepatch and is initially ignored by her classmates. She plays a crucial role in unraveling the mystery.
• Other important characters include the students and staff of class 3-3, each contributing to the unfolding of the plot with their own stories and secrets.

Themes

Another explores themes such as the fear of the unknown, the nature of death, and the impact of the past on the present. The novel examines how the characters deal with the psychological strain of the curse and the deaths around them, as well as the desperation to find a logical explanation for the supernatural events occurring in their lives.

Reception

Another received positive reviews for its suspenseful narrative, complex characters, and its ability to blend horror with mystery. The novel's atmosphere and detailed setting have been praised for enhancing the eerie and foreboding mood that pervades the story.

Adaptations

Following its success, Another was adapted into several other media forms, including a manga series illustrated by Hiro Kiyohara, an anime television series produced by P.A.Works in 2012, and a live-action film released in 2012. Each adaptation offers a slightly different take on the original story, expanding its reach and impact on different audiences.