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sanjii24's review against another edition
3.0
I knew this book was something special after I read the ferris wheel story. I think the book captured perfectly what it’s like to be lonely, to only have one person who truly knows you. The 14th chapter was beautiful and I got so lost in the writing, Murakami really is amazing. I loved the story of the carrot kid at the end, although it was irrelevant to the rest of the book I think it was necessary like it was there to tell us something. I wonder where Sumire was all that time and if all 3 of them ever got together again.
“So that’s how we live our lives…….
Repeating, often adroitly, the endless deeds of the everyday. Leaving behind a feeling of immeasurable emptiness. “
“So that’s how we live our lives…….
Repeating, often adroitly, the endless deeds of the everyday. Leaving behind a feeling of immeasurable emptiness. “
drstrangelove's review against another edition
4.0
Why do I like Murakami? I think it’s banality of the lives of the characters he centers on. The loss is always ordinary. And yet it’s always profound. Why do we feel lonely in a world of 8 billion people?
mohnishpratapsingh's review against another edition
4.0
**Title: "Sputnik Sweetheart"**
**Publication Year: 1999**
**Overview:**
"Sputnik Sweetheart" is a novel by Haruki Murakami, published in 1999. The story follows the narrator, known only as K, as he recounts his experiences and relationships involving two women: Sumire and Miu. The novel explores themes of unrequited love, the fluidity of sexuality, and the elusive nature of human connections.
**Analysis:**
**1. Narrator and Subjectivity:**
The choice of a first-person narrator allows readers to intimately experience the emotional turmoil of the protagonist. K's perspective offers insight into his feelings for Sumire, his observations of Miu, and his contemplations on the complexities of love and desire.
**2. Exploration of Unrequited Love:**
Central to the novel is the theme of unrequited love. K's infatuation with Sumire, who is in love with another woman, becomes a source of emotional anguish. The novel delves into the pain and longing associated with unreciprocated feelings, as well as the nature of love itself.
**3. Fluidity of Sexuality and Identity:**
"Sputnik Sweetheart" challenges traditional notions of sexuality and identity. Sumire's feelings for a woman and K's interactions with both Sumire and Miu highlight the fluidity of human emotions. The characters' experiences reflect the complexities of love and attraction beyond conventional boundaries.
**4. Mystery and Disappearance:**
The novel incorporates elements of mystery, as Sumire's sudden disappearance sets the narrative in motion. The uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts adds tension to the story, prompting readers to join K in his quest for answers and closure.
**5. Reflective and Melancholic Tone:**
Murakami's writing style in "Sputnik Sweetheart" is reflective and melancholic. The prose captures the characters' internal struggles and the fleeting nature of emotions. The contemplative tone invites readers to engage with the characters' emotional landscapes.
**6. Exploration of Loneliness:**
Loneliness is a recurring theme in the novel. Each character grapples with their own sense of isolation, despite their interactions with others. The novel invites readers to consider the universal experience of loneliness and the ways in which connections, even if brief, provide moments of solace.
**7. Rating: 4.6 Stars (Out of 5):**
"Sputnik Sweetheart" is a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. Its examination of unrequited love and the fluidity of identity resonates with readers who have experienced similar emotions. The novel's introspective narrative and thematic depth warrant a high rating.
In conclusion, "Sputnik Sweetheart" stands as a testament to Haruki Murakami's ability to convey the intricacies of human emotions and connections. Through its characters' experiences, the novel prompts readers to reflect on their own desires, longings, and the mysteries of the heart. The exploration of love's complexities and the evocative prose make this novel a compelling addition to Murakami's body of work.
**Publication Year: 1999**
**Overview:**
"Sputnik Sweetheart" is a novel by Haruki Murakami, published in 1999. The story follows the narrator, known only as K, as he recounts his experiences and relationships involving two women: Sumire and Miu. The novel explores themes of unrequited love, the fluidity of sexuality, and the elusive nature of human connections.
**Analysis:**
**1. Narrator and Subjectivity:**
The choice of a first-person narrator allows readers to intimately experience the emotional turmoil of the protagonist. K's perspective offers insight into his feelings for Sumire, his observations of Miu, and his contemplations on the complexities of love and desire.
**2. Exploration of Unrequited Love:**
Central to the novel is the theme of unrequited love. K's infatuation with Sumire, who is in love with another woman, becomes a source of emotional anguish. The novel delves into the pain and longing associated with unreciprocated feelings, as well as the nature of love itself.
**3. Fluidity of Sexuality and Identity:**
"Sputnik Sweetheart" challenges traditional notions of sexuality and identity. Sumire's feelings for a woman and K's interactions with both Sumire and Miu highlight the fluidity of human emotions. The characters' experiences reflect the complexities of love and attraction beyond conventional boundaries.
**4. Mystery and Disappearance:**
The novel incorporates elements of mystery, as Sumire's sudden disappearance sets the narrative in motion. The uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts adds tension to the story, prompting readers to join K in his quest for answers and closure.
**5. Reflective and Melancholic Tone:**
Murakami's writing style in "Sputnik Sweetheart" is reflective and melancholic. The prose captures the characters' internal struggles and the fleeting nature of emotions. The contemplative tone invites readers to engage with the characters' emotional landscapes.
**6. Exploration of Loneliness:**
Loneliness is a recurring theme in the novel. Each character grapples with their own sense of isolation, despite their interactions with others. The novel invites readers to consider the universal experience of loneliness and the ways in which connections, even if brief, provide moments of solace.
**7. Rating: 4.6 Stars (Out of 5):**
"Sputnik Sweetheart" is a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the complexities of human relationships. Its examination of unrequited love and the fluidity of identity resonates with readers who have experienced similar emotions. The novel's introspective narrative and thematic depth warrant a high rating.
In conclusion, "Sputnik Sweetheart" stands as a testament to Haruki Murakami's ability to convey the intricacies of human emotions and connections. Through its characters' experiences, the novel prompts readers to reflect on their own desires, longings, and the mysteries of the heart. The exploration of love's complexities and the evocative prose make this novel a compelling addition to Murakami's body of work.
arthur_lmg's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
albairasi's review against another edition
1.0
murakami ama i cliché e ha un serio problema con le donne, ora capisco perché la gente smette di leggerlo
superciliary's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
frezy's review against another edition
5.0
It’s unexpectedly funny. The story unfolds at a leisurely pace, so I’d recommend taking your time with this book. It gives me the nostalgic feeling of an old movie, and I love it. It feels like it could be starring someone like Audrey Hepburn or Tony Leung. I know it might sound strange to describe a book this way, but that’s exactly how I felt while reading it. Without giving away any spoilers, I can confidently say that this book is worth reading. There were moments that made me laugh, intentionally or not, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
readcodelove's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75