What do you think?
Rate this book
オールドボーイ [Old Boy] #1-4
Oldboy Deluxe Edition: Book One
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 8, 2026
For 10 years I was locked up in a room, something like a "private prison". Who'd believe such a thing? Anyway, tonight... for the first time in ten years, I've breathed the air of the world...
I have long sought out the individual volumes of Oldboy, having previously picked up the first three. However, they are rare beasts in English and I have not managed to track down volume 4. Imagine my surprise when I saw this brand new deluxe edition in Liverpool's flagship Waterstones and it is safe to say it came straight home with me.
I initially wondered if they'd packed in the whole series but soon realised there was a second book due, which I have patiently waited for so that I could read them both back to back. With the second book now in my possession, it was time to dive back in.
Shinichi Gotō was kidnapped, by forces unknown, and kept in a small cell with only a television for company. Mysteriously released after 10 years he now has a singular focus. To find those responsible and to discover the reason for his incarceration.
Helped by a waitress, Eri, with whom he starts a relationship of sorts, Gotō must seek out old friends to uncover clues about his captivity whilst playing a game of cat and mouse with his nemesis.
For anyone who has seen the film, there will instantly be obvious differences, including the duration of his captivity. I look forward to finding out where the original story takes me in Book two.
5 stars.
I have long sought out the individual volumes of Oldboy, having previously picked up the first three. However, they are rare beasts in English and I have not managed to track down volume 4. Imagine my surprise when I saw this brand new deluxe edition in Liverpool's flagship Waterstones and it is safe to say it came straight home with me.
I initially wondered if they'd packed in the whole series but soon realised there was a second book due, which I have patiently waited for so that I could read them both back to back. With the second book now in my possession, it was time to dive back in.
Shinichi Gotō was kidnapped, by forces unknown, and kept in a small cell with only a television for company. Mysteriously released after 10 years he now has a singular focus. To find those responsible and to discover the reason for his incarceration.
Helped by a waitress, Eri, with whom he starts a relationship of sorts, Gotō must seek out old friends to uncover clues about his captivity whilst playing a game of cat and mouse with his nemesis.
For anyone who has seen the film, there will instantly be obvious differences, including the duration of his captivity. I look forward to finding out where the original story takes me in Book two.
5 stars.
April 24, 2026
I read this incredibly quickly and couldn’t put it down. I have not seen the movie so cannot compare if the adaptation was similar. Protagonist had been locked in a room with a TV, bed and bathroom for 10 years. He was released and is now attempting to track down those responsible. He has no idea why he was locked away and must engage in a battle
of wills. No spoilers here but I am immediately picking up the second and final deluxe volume.
of wills. No spoilers here but I am immediately picking up the second and final deluxe volume.
April 8, 2026
This was juicy and I am sat for the drama. 10 years and to then be stuck with a petty game of chase? Kill me now.
Thanks to the publisher for the DRC.
Thanks to the publisher for the DRC.
May 2, 2026
That one bar tender character is such a chiller
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews