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bigolarlocat's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
At face value this is an exceptionally well written book with a plot that lulls in spots and diverges in increasingly bizarre ways, but is ultimately kept interesting by the overarching mystery and the intrigue of its characters. As is ever the case, there is unc mfortable amounts of sexism and misogyny from both our narrator and murukami, as he introduces and incorporates women into the book. Not every thread of this expansive narrative is drawn together in a satisfying, clear cut conclusion, and as with other works by murukami, this is typically by design.
I've read some other of his works and what I've found is that the themes of the book precede the narrative. What matters in this book are the themes of fate vs rebirth, light vs dark etc. and how our characters grapple with them.
In finishing the book I was initially left somewhat disappointed in the lack of a conclusive plot, however I find the excitement of his novels come from how you, as the reader, deconstruct the plot based on your interpretation of his themes. You are always left guessing because there are never clear answers and the freedom to organise a plot by feeling like your solving a mystery is an experience that is rare and ultimately rewarding.
I've read some other of his works and what I've found is that the themes of the book precede the narrative. What matters in this book are the themes of fate vs rebirth, light vs dark etc. and how our characters grapple with them.
In finishing the book I was initially left somewhat disappointed in the lack of a conclusive plot, however I find the excitement of his novels come from how you, as the reader, deconstruct the plot based on your interpretation of his themes. You are always left guessing because there are never clear answers and the freedom to organise a plot by feeling like your solving a mystery is an experience that is rare and ultimately rewarding.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Violence, Trafficking, Suicide attempt, and War
emeraldzak's review against another edition
Reads like incel fiction with a strange outlook on every woman so far - sexualized and/or stiff and inhuman. The male gaze is in full force here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Trafficking, and Suicide attempt
amilabell's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Sexism
I wish Murakami would be able to write a female character without describing their boobs for once!pippohno's review against another edition
I REALLY wanted to like this book. At first, I was intrigued by Murakami's storytelling. I was enjoying the bits and pieces that reminded me of the Monogatari series by Nisio Isin, who cited Murkami as one of his biggest influences. However, I was not okay with the misogyny in the book. None of the women could pass the Bechdel Test. Also, they were just so sexualized and the gender roles + stereotyping were as clear as day. Overall, very disappointed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexism
maybealexisreading's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Rape, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Minor: Sexism and Xenophobia
nochnitsa's review against another edition
I chose this book to be my first proper Murakami because, as description said, it's a collection of all the typical Murakami elements, and of course the cover is absolutely stunning. The cover is also the only thing that could make me regret not finishing or liking this book. I'm over a 100 pages in, and so far, despite lots of things happening and many many words, it feels like the book lacks real substance. What really makes me uncomfortable though (and it is the main reason for me dnf-ing this book) is the way Murakami writes women or about women. Associating a teenager with a woman who propositioned him phone sex? Talking about violent rape and forced prostitution like it's a weather forecast and then having a wet dream about the sane woman woman? Sounds a tiny bit disturbing to me, no thank you very much. I doubt I'll ever give Murakami another try after this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Pedophilia
katyaj's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't believe that I will ever be able to describe this book in the way it deserves. I cannot explain what made me love this, or made me read page after page but I felt compelled to. It is a fantastic book, and I would highly recommend it, but it is not for those who are squeamish, or those looking for a fast paced plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
kirstenreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual content