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empoi's review against another edition
3.5
Varying quality on the short stories. I really enjoyed some of them but others were distractedly full of sex.
My experience with Murakami is that I really enjoy his more long from works but his shorter fiction doesn't capture the same magic. Maybe you need time to settle in his worlds?
My experience with Murakami is that I really enjoy his more long from works but his shorter fiction doesn't capture the same magic. Maybe you need time to settle in his worlds?
irxren's review against another edition
3.0
The Elephant Vanishes is this quirky compilation of 17 short stories that took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I couldn't help but notice how the book shines a light on the themes of loneliness and the struggle to break free from the chains of conformity in modern Japanese culture. Some stories resonated with me, while others left me scratching my head, but all in all, it was a pretty enjoyable ride.
Picking a favorite story was like trying to choose a favorite flavor of ice cream—impossible! The writing was solid across the board, leaving me with that lingering aftertaste that makes you pause and ponder. And speaking of nuances, oh boy, Murakami throws in these strange details that practically beg you to read between the lines.
It's a peculiar book indeed.
Picking a favorite story was like trying to choose a favorite flavor of ice cream—impossible! The writing was solid across the board, leaving me with that lingering aftertaste that makes you pause and ponder. And speaking of nuances, oh boy, Murakami throws in these strange details that practically beg you to read between the lines.
It's a peculiar book indeed.
skos's review against another edition
2.0
Boring and mundane. A few stories kept my interest but I found myself waiting for the book to be over.
nicksiob's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
louisek's review against another edition
3.75
Classic murakami style which I love but a lot of the stories either didn't work or I didn't process them properly. I had to reread a lot of passages because it wasn't going in! But I'll say my faves are: the second bakery attack, sleep, barn burning, family affair, the dancing dwarf and the silence. I recommend those stories soo much!
_lemonlime_'s review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
csmoke85's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
enricats's review against another edition
4.0
Was sceptical of this because I always thought Murakami’s unique prose only belongs in long-form, but now I’m convinced this man can do no wrong. I’d even argue he does short stories better, since I often find his novels unnecessarily dragged out, so this avoids all those pedantic cyclical ruts of his characters.
That being said, not all of them were hits. My favourites were Second Bakery Attack, Sleep, Barn Burning and A Slow Boat to China
That being said, not all of them were hits. My favourites were Second Bakery Attack, Sleep, Barn Burning and A Slow Boat to China