anna108's review against another edition
1.0
Murakami is a brilliant author. But his books fall flat when he reveals himself to be a fatphobic misogynist.
In Hard-Boiled Wonderland, I got far enough to meet two female characters. Both were sexual objects, described solely in terms of how their weight determined their beauty. One was “beautiful and fat” in a disgusting sort of way, while the other was beautiful “without an ounce of fat on her” dispite eating a “disgusting” amount of food. The main character is attracted to both, but of course, turns down the chance at easy sex with the fat woman only to suddenly be in bed with the skinny one.
It breaks my heart to read such hateful language in what is otherwise a dazzling story full of mystery and one of the most inventive near-real-life worlds I’ve ever had the pleasure to dive into. I wanted to push through the misogyny to enjoy the story, but in the end, I decided I didn’t want those thoughts taking up room in my head when there are so many other good books to read.
In Hard-Boiled Wonderland, I got far enough to meet two female characters. Both were sexual objects, described solely in terms of how their weight determined their beauty. One was “beautiful and fat” in a disgusting sort of way, while the other was beautiful “without an ounce of fat on her” dispite eating a “disgusting” amount of food. The main character is attracted to both, but of course, turns down the chance at easy sex with the fat woman only to suddenly be in bed with the skinny one.
It breaks my heart to read such hateful language in what is otherwise a dazzling story full of mystery and one of the most inventive near-real-life worlds I’ve ever had the pleasure to dive into. I wanted to push through the misogyny to enjoy the story, but in the end, I decided I didn’t want those thoughts taking up room in my head when there are so many other good books to read.
emilyhan0906's review against another edition
4.0
For the longest time could not bring myself to read Haruki Murakami unironically when he was constantly quoted by every angsty bourgeois high schooler ever, but are you even allowed to have not actually read any Haruki Murakami books nowadays >. > loved his beautiful imagination, and esp as neuroscience kid rly appreciated his reflection on mind and desire.
hasseltkoffie's review against another edition
4.0
Absolutely fascinating. Was very much delighted from begin to end.
sheepchase's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
reread. still as brilliant as i remember. genius but weirdly horny. murakami pushes every boundary. never fails to thrill and delight
gracie_gloria's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Really not my favourite Murakami book, which is a shame since he is one of my favourite authors. Often the misogyny in his work can be attributed to the flaws of the characters, but referring to the sole female character, who is instrumental to the plot and keeps the protagonist alive, as “the chubby girl” was disappointing.
qupolina's review against another edition
1.0
Na stranu sa seksizmom, nisam bila spremna na količinu brain damagea koju sam dobila od ove knjige. Vjerojatno postoji opadanje tolerancije kroz godine koliko puta možeš pročitati o nečijoj erekciji koja kompletno nevezana uz radnju knjige uz konstantno bombardiranje jeftinim motivima isrkanim iz ružičastih stranica Glorie. Više neću Murakamijeve knjige taknuti ni štapom.
sabrinaelf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
rajaraks's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. I'm in awe. And to be honest, still a little confused, but that's ok. Murakami's level of imagination is really amazing and inspiring. I'm also astounded at the translator - this must not have been an easy task... the English has such poetry! Looking forward to reading more of Murakami's stuff :)
alexboccardo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Mind boggling. Murakami’s most thought through novel. Totally upgraded my perspective on the conscious vs subconscious mind.