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mavis_tully's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sarahepierce's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
debbiesf's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
I wanted to like this book, I really did. Like some of the reviews on the back, I would say it has a very Joycean feel to it. You never know what's happening next, which does keep you on your toes but it simultaneously feels random and a bit haphazard. I felt very underwhelmed by the ending. The buildup was strong throughout but the payoff was incredibly weak. Most of the characters were forgetful, especially the narrator.
huckabees222's review against another edition
5.0
At this point I think it's a forgone conclusion that I will like any David Mitchell book. I haven't read any book by him that I didn't like. While this one was very good, it wasn't my favourite, but it was still extremely entertaining and well written.
vespers9's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
3.5
cody240fc's review against another edition
4.0
Mitchell's second offering dives into the age-old question of the meaning of life. For over four hundred pages, this novel takes us on a circular tale at a breakneck pace. It is easy to get caught up in the ironies, the coincidences and the over-the-top crime lord stuff, but Mitchell's gifted storytelling and imagination are really just there for our enjoyment. The real power of the novel comes from Mitchell's more sincere passages that typically deal with memories and relationships. It is not often that an author has an ability to go from bowling alley torture to introspective narrative so effortlessly. He is unique in that regard.
Thematically speaking, I kept thinking that this chaotic storyline, while a fun read, was somewhat misleading. Life can seem hectic and overwhelming, but sometimes we need to consider the larger picture. And the larger picture here is this; the purpose of life is not just to be a dreamer, but to evolve into someone who actively pursues their dreams. No spoilers here, but the ending of the novel is perfect for the thematic focus of the novel. Our daydreaming protagonist has finally uncovered the meaning of life for himself, and the ninth act will involve a man who takes his destiny in his own hands. As John Lennon explains to us; "the ninth dream begins after every ending." I have never read a novel where the ending seemed like a beginning, and it kind of blew me away.
Thematically speaking, I kept thinking that this chaotic storyline, while a fun read, was somewhat misleading. Life can seem hectic and overwhelming, but sometimes we need to consider the larger picture. And the larger picture here is this; the purpose of life is not just to be a dreamer, but to evolve into someone who actively pursues their dreams. No spoilers here, but the ending of the novel is perfect for the thematic focus of the novel. Our daydreaming protagonist has finally uncovered the meaning of life for himself, and the ninth act will involve a man who takes his destiny in his own hands. As John Lennon explains to us; "the ninth dream begins after every ending." I have never read a novel where the ending seemed like a beginning, and it kind of blew me away.
thameslink's review against another edition
3.0
Not his best and sometimes feels like a Murakami tribute but it’s still goooood
keridiom's review against another edition
3.0
I had a hard time getting past the blatant and very off-putting appropriation of Japanese culture and mild sexism, which, unfortunately, is still sexism.
I should also note: I listened to the audiobook and the narrator is British, which thoroughly amplified the cultural appropriation issues.
I should also note: I listened to the audiobook and the narrator is British, which thoroughly amplified the cultural appropriation issues.