Reviews

If you’re looking for a book where everything is explained and the story is wrapped up in a neat little bow with no loose ends, then this isn’t the novel for you. The story is simply a walk through Toru’s life, you experience the events alongside side him and know just as much as he does (aside from May’s letters which he doesn’t read). Though this may be dissatisfying to some, I found this made a lot of sense. Since the novel is written as a first person narrative of what happens, it wouldn’t make sense if Toru knew every detail. The amount of odd people that pass through his life, it wouldn’t make sense if each person explained what was up with them or if one person knew all. I still can’t help but feel slightly dissatisfied; it’s only natural to want to know everything.

I was worried for how the book would end though it wrapped up quite well. Kumiko killing her brother actually made a lot of sense for her character and I like that Toru is waiting for her. My main concern was Toru getting with May, luckily that didn’t happen. I am left with the feeling that this series could carry on forever. Perhaps the length of the three books made me grow attached, but I’d quite like to know how things work out for Toru and Kumiko. It makes me feel a little sad knowing that (as far as I know) their stories aren’t continued.

I’m meant to write a report for sixth form for my book club on why I would recommend this book and who to. I find myself at a loss for words when it comes to this. This book is strange. It’s unlike anything I have read before. I can’t compartmentalise it into a genre that someone might enjoy. It’s more of a pick it up and keep reading if you enjoy it sort of book.

With that, I find it hard to recommend this book. I enjoyed it tremendously but I know others will be bothered by the loose nature of the plot. My advice would be to find a copy of the book and read a few pages. While it takes awhile to get into the meat of the story, you’ll know if you like the narrative style right away. If it bothers you, I wouldn’t recommend this. It’ll only get worse for you. Overall, an enjoyable read though not the most satisfying. I can’t picture myself re-reading this book. It simply wouldn’t have the same feeling to it.

ambersnowpants's review against another edition

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5.0

Ah-mazing! Really glad I re-read this one. For years I carried around with me an ethereal adoration for this novel. It is my go-to recommendation for all readers and has maintained its top-five spot but over time I have forgotten why. I remember now. My first experience with this book was fully immersive. It was at a time in my life when I could devote whole days to reading. Now, I balance the book on my knees while nursing the baby, prop it on the kitchen counter while cooking dinner, splay it on the couch arm to mediate a kiddo argument but I was still able to submerge in the murky waters of Murakami. If someone were to ask what this book is about or why they should read it, I am not sure what my answer would be. I am sure the response would have something to do with lemon drops and baseball bats, war, sex, water or absence of water, red vinyl hats and cats with crooked tails. I am all set for IQ84 now. Just a quick bracer book before I get started.

sillyzilly's review against another edition

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3.0

I liked this; what I liked less were the realization of my own ignorance about Japanese culture, and possibly life in general. Interesting but confusing in a way that never entirely straightens out. Full of fun female characters, though.

bospoort's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

landon_n26's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Such a fever dream of a book. Love how it all comes together from the woman on the phone to the baseball bat. The ending was so satisfying. Though I will say cinnamon and nutmeg felt like filler in a lot of ways.

I bet this rocks on a reread knowing what is happening and where it’s going

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