Reviews tagging 'Miscarriage'

The Woman in the Dunes by Kōbō Abe

5 reviews

dragonlilly's review against another edition

dark reflective medium-paced

3.0

In terms of the 'theoretical' and 'philosophical' sections of this book I only really liked two that felt like they had any real meaning or truth to them, and the rest felt useless or false. The main character is quite unlikable and only worsens as the book goes on, and his theories concerning sex and his understanding of sex I also did not care for. Strangely, I think he did not ask the woman enough important questions earlier on. However, I did like the general imagery of the sand and the final ending was done very well. Near the end, I did have a general impression for how the story would finish, but I found it to be written better than I first imagined, and was quite happy with it and the manner in which he was finally trapped. So, while I was frustrated with the main character, this ending makes me struggle to dislike the book because of how satisfying the last two pages are, as well as the general concept. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Kidnapping

Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Vomit, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis

Minor: Miscarriage

mnstrtrckr's review against another edition

challenging dark tense slow-paced

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

2.75

An interesting concept in a fascinating setting driven by an unlikable protagonist who narrates his helpless imprisonment

and eventual acquiescence

like a fever dream filled with longing and regret. I wish more time had been given over to the titular woman. Read it if you like metaphors that are painful to experience.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Miscarriage, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts

yasaman's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

2.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Miscarriage and Vomit

mikki_9's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

I loved the analogy this book presents, but honestly... part two is long, boring, and kinda unnecessary. You'll probably enjoy this book a lot more if you just read a summary of part two instead, because there is very little important information. Part one and part three are probably 4.5 stars, and part two is 1 star. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Body shaming, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief

Minor: Animal cruelty, Death, Rape, Excrement, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis

swdancer's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement and Kidnapping

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual content

Minor: Child death