The Demon Bird by Sato Haruo

Review of the book “The Demon Bird” by Sato Haruo

The Demonic Bird is a book of fantastic stories by the Japanese writer Sato Haruo, published by the Satori publishing house in 2018. The book brings together five stories that explore themes such as utopia, mystery, legend and dystopia, with a style that combines realism and imagination.

The first story, “The House of Wonders”, tells of the discovery of a hidden house in the countryside by a man who is walking his dog. Inside the house, he meets a woman and a girl who live in a world of fantasy and beauty, oblivious to the passage of time and outside reality.

The second story, “The Ideal City”, tells the story of three friends who decide to build a perfect city on a desert island, following the principles of harmony, aesthetics and morality. However, their dream is cut short by the intervention of a strange visitor who reveals the truth about their project.

The third story, “The Demonic Bird”, is the one that gives the book its title and is based on a Taiwanese legend that the author learned about during his trip to that country. According to legend, there is an evil bird that can kill people just by looking at them, and that feeds on others’ desires for revenge. The protagonist of the story is a Japanese traveler who becomes involved in a plot of hatred and death related to the bird.

The fourth story, “The Voice”, is a horror story that tells of a journalist’s investigation into an abandoned house in which a female voice can be heard calling someone. The journalist discovers that the house was the scene of a crime of passion and that the voice belongs to the victim’s ghost.

The fifth and final story, “The Sun”, is a work of science fiction that describes a dystopian future in which humanity lives in a huge vertical city divided into levels according to their social status. The inhabitants of the lower levels have never seen the sun and live in miserable conditions, while those of the upper levels enjoy privileges and luxuries. One day, it is announced that the sun will appear for the first time in centuries and that everyone will be able to see it, but things do not go as expected.

The Demonic Bird is a book that shows the versatility and originality of Sato Haruo, one of the most prominent authors of 20th century Japanese literature. His stories are an invitation to travel through fascinating worlds and to reflect on the contradictions and dilemmas of the human condition.

The author, Sato Haruo, demonstrates an exceptional ability to create realistic and emotionally resonant characters. Throughout the novel, readers witness how Kiyoshi and the other characters evolve and grow, facing their own fears, desires, and internal conflicts. The narrative is rich in detail and delves into the characters’ motivations and thoughts, allowing readers to connect with them on a deeper level.

One of the highlights of “The Demon Bird” is the way Sato Haruo weaves elements of Japanese folklore and mythology into the story. This not only enriches the plot, but also offers a unique insight into life in rural Japan and its ancient traditions. Sato Haruo’s writing style is poetic and evocative, making reading “The Demon Bird” an unforgettable experience. The author uses metaphors and vivid descriptions to create a magical, ethereal world that captivates the reader’s imagination.

In short, “The Demon Bird” is an exceptional work of literature that combines an immersive narrative with poetic prose and a deep knowledge of Japanese culture. This book is a must-read for those looking to immerse themselves in a magical and emotionally resonant world, and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all who read it.