sophiewoods's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
liambaker19's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Few books have left me feeling this strongly after finishing. I found this book while dealing with a break up and it was the perfect comfort and medicine I needed. It’s simply magical.
sawilugo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
minty's review against another edition
2.0
First off, the reader for this audiobook is OUTSTANDING. Truly phenomenal; the voices for the characters were so distinct, and some of the ways he was able to twist his voice (to do wheezy old men, for example) were remarkable. I listened mostly at 1.4x speed but once I was accustomed to that, 1.6 wasn't too weird.
The story, though, left me wondering why I spent so long listening. Perhaps I missed something that would've been better captured had I read it in a book? I'd be interested in reading some critical responses to it, to get a better feel, but overall, it was meandering and ultimately I'm not sure it was all that interesting. The pictures drawn with words are stellar, though; I felt very immersed and I felt I understood the place and actions entirely. But overall, I felt it was "just okay."
The story, though, left me wondering why I spent so long listening. Perhaps I missed something that would've been better captured had I read it in a book? I'd be interested in reading some critical responses to it, to get a better feel, but overall, it was meandering and ultimately I'm not sure it was all that interesting. The pictures drawn with words are stellar, though; I felt very immersed and I felt I understood the place and actions entirely. But overall, I felt it was "just okay."
lucymguillen's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
readingsprees's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
rromanereads's review against another edition
3.0
although I love Murakami's masterful distortions of reality, I was disappointed with this one.
murakami is undoubtedly one of those authors who handles words so well that I could follow him on descriptions of things that seem insignificant for pages and pages, everything is perfectly articulated and I like to characterize it as - no plot, just vibes - but this time it unfortunately wasn't enough.
here, I found that the magical realism was pushed to the extreme, resulting in an atmosphere of permanent vagueness where I was constantly lost. I found it very hard to follow. Nothing much happens, but you still get lost. It's a massive 600-odd pages, and I had a hard time finishing it, it was really really really long, even if the end does catch up a bit.
i adored 1Q84 and loved every moment of it, I was really into it and read it super fast. But here, with the wind-up bord chronicle, I found that the story was going round in circles and running out of steam with all the twists and turns. Maybe my expectations were too high?
this was the first book I read in august, but I had a hard time sitting down to write this review, I didn't really know what to say as I was so puzzled.
however, there are a few characters I really liked, like May, for whom I felt a great deal of affection.
overall, i was disappointed and not as hooked as i would have liked. i know this book is much loved so if you've read it, please tell me why!!!
murakami is undoubtedly one of those authors who handles words so well that I could follow him on descriptions of things that seem insignificant for pages and pages, everything is perfectly articulated and I like to characterize it as - no plot, just vibes - but this time it unfortunately wasn't enough.
here, I found that the magical realism was pushed to the extreme, resulting in an atmosphere of permanent vagueness where I was constantly lost. I found it very hard to follow. Nothing much happens, but you still get lost. It's a massive 600-odd pages, and I had a hard time finishing it, it was really really really long, even if the end does catch up a bit.
i adored 1Q84 and loved every moment of it, I was really into it and read it super fast. But here, with the wind-up bord chronicle, I found that the story was going round in circles and running out of steam with all the twists and turns. Maybe my expectations were too high?
this was the first book I read in august, but I had a hard time sitting down to write this review, I didn't really know what to say as I was so puzzled.
however, there are a few characters I really liked, like May, for whom I felt a great deal of affection.
overall, i was disappointed and not as hooked as i would have liked. i know this book is much loved so if you've read it, please tell me why!!!
hamnaahsann's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
sophiphas's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
3.75
An amazing story with a complex plot filled with metaphors and hidden meanings. I love how every plot point eventually gets tied near the end and how there is little subtle hidden things in it that connects one event to another throughout the whole story. I love the writing style as well, a classic Murakami writing style that is quite easy to read and very descriptive. The book is also somewhat philosophical in a way, and I really love that as well. My favourite part of the novel is Lieutenant Mamiya's story, especially the part where he is describing the well and how it changed him. My favourite character is May Kasahara, who is very interesting from the moment she was introduced to the very last pages. Her relationship with Toru is very fun to read!
Although, what I do not like the most about this books, hence why I am giving this book four stars instead of five stars, is the way Murakami writes women characters. They always have to mention or participate in sexual acts in one way or another and threw me off completely. Even if I want to love the book so much I really can't.
Overall, I like this book, although I can see why some do not. Some parts of the book, although beautifully written, can be a bit slow and sluggish and some scenes can be really triggering for alot of people. Definitely worth a read if you haven't and if you don't mind any of that.
Although, what I do not like the most about this books, hence why I am giving this book four stars instead of five stars, is the way Murakami writes women characters. They always have to mention or participate in sexual acts in one way or another and threw me off completely. Even if I want to love the book so much I really can't.
Overall, I like this book, although I can see why some do not. Some parts of the book, although beautifully written, can be a bit slow and sluggish and some scenes can be really triggering for alot of people. Definitely worth a read if you haven't and if you don't mind any of that.
mwbuntin's review against another edition
2.0
It was certainly different. I'm not sure it was the style of writing I prefer.