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anastas7a's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
2.5
I read this book back in July. I still haven't quite wrapped my head around it. It was my first time reading Murakami. From an early point on, I realized that we are not confined by the limits of the real and literal world, so I went with the flow.
I enjoyed the atmosphere the author created for this book and I found its title creative, given that everything- from the events to the exploration of the characters' personalities- takes place after dark. (This may be obvious to some people, but for me it was a fun, unexpected, little detail, especially because I normally start books blind {without having read summaries}).
I find myself at a loss of words to say because the book remains a mystery to me. I can understand a handful of the analogies, however the one I struggle with is sleep. I haven't figured out what it symbolizes or how through it Eri or even Mari discover part of themselves. Related to the sleep analogy is also the TV in Eri's room, which I did not exactly comprehend. .
I also like how even though nothing happens and the sun rises the next day as if nothing has happened, each event that took place had an impact on the introduced characters one way or the other.Specifically with Mari and Takahashi, I found their interaction genuine and crucial for Mari to take a step back and self-reflect on her idea of who she is. To this cause contributed her adventure at the love hotel and her interaction with people she normally wouldn't have met.
If I had a better understanding of the story I would rate it higher, but it continues to be a struggle for me. I would love to talk about it with someone so that we can share thoughts and I can gain some insight.
I appreciated greatly the songs the book mentions, not only because I'm a melomaniac, but also because they helped me immerse myself in the story.
Lastly, the book's fast pace outweighed the complexity of the concept it was dealing with and as a result, the story wasn't burdensome to the readers.
I recommend reading this when you want something to ponder over. Maybe I'll revisit it at one point.
I enjoyed the atmosphere the author created for this book and I found its title creative, given that everything- from the events to the exploration of the characters' personalities- takes place after dark. (This may be obvious to some people, but for me it was a fun, unexpected, little detail, especially because I normally start books blind {without having read summaries}).
I find myself at a loss of words to say because the book remains a mystery to me. I can understand a handful of the analogies, however
I also like how even though nothing happens and the sun rises the next day as if nothing has happened, each event that took place had an impact on the introduced characters one way or the other.
If I had a better understanding of the story I would rate it higher, but it continues to be a struggle for me. I would love to talk about it with someone so that we can share thoughts and I can gain some insight.
I appreciated greatly the songs the book mentions, not only because I'm a melomaniac, but also because they helped me immerse myself in the story.
Lastly, the book's fast pace outweighed the complexity of the concept it was dealing with and as a result, the story wasn't burdensome to the readers.
I recommend reading this when you want something to ponder over. Maybe I'll revisit it at one point.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Violence
em_the_cat's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-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? No
3.5
“Breasts, breasts, breasts!” Shut up Murakami you’re ruining your own book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Violence, and Blood
kimh147's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
fast-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
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence
rosie_valadez's review against another edition
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Violence
Minor: Trafficking and Death of parent
thorney's review against another edition
mysterious
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Confinement, Death, Eating disorder, Sexual violence, Violence, and Death of parent
tonsu's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Death of parent
jessi_c's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoy how the narration breaks the fourth wall, inviting us to float around the city. Had just the right touch of intrusiveness.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Blood, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Violence, Stalking, and Alcohol
frogreads_'s review against another edition
I was listening to this as an audiobook. It wasn't very capitvating to me....just kind of weird. I felt like i was listening to people's thoughts but they were roundabout and not particularly interesting. The fantasy/strangeness aspect wasnt very well fleshed out.
Seems like more of a commentary of how people interact with society-i generally like that but not here. The descriptions of stuff were good but the dialog was bland. Not sure if this is just a problem with this book or if i wouldn't like more of the authors works.
Seems like more of a commentary of how people interact with society-i generally like that but not here. The descriptions of stuff were good but the dialog was bland. Not sure if this is just a problem with this book or if i wouldn't like more of the authors works.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Violence, and Death of parent
crows_in_a_trenchcoat'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Sexual violence
risemini's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Alcohol