Reviews

Stupeur et tremblements by Amélie Nothomb

abbie_'s review against another edition

fast-paced

1.5

This was an odd little book. I’ve never read any of Belgian author Amélie Nothomb’s books, but I know of her reputation for being somewhat outlandish. This book is based on her real life experiences working for a large Japanese corporation, and is meant as a satirical portrayal of the huge role work plays in Japanese society. It was published in 1999 and by christ you can tell - it’s definitely a product of its time, and the casual racism and fatphobia made it a difficult read. It’s a shame, as there are some genuinely funny parts, but the sweeping generalisations of Japanese women, Japanese men, Japanese bosses just left a bad taste. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Fatphobia, Racism, and Xenophobia

krythstal's review against another edition

1.0

esto es como emily in parís solo que siendo racista, gordófoba, misógina y sin gracia

paulus_on_the_rocks's review against another edition

reflective fast-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

1.0

Découverte totale de l’autrice dont je n’avais pas de très grandes attentes, malgré son succès. On m'avait dit, tente celui-là. 1€ chez Emmaüs. Me suis dit pourquoi pas. 

 
Se lit vite. Tant mieux. 

Pas adhéré ni au style ni à l’humour. Pas ri une seule fois. Pas aimé les mentions grossophobes bien 90’s. Pas aimé l’emploi d’une énième narratrice ingénue. Arrêtez avec ça. Pas aimé la représentation des différences culturelles entre la Belgique et le Japon. Pas aimé en fait. 

 

Suis allé fouiner le Wiki de l’autrice par la suite et suis tombé sur des interviews qui me l’ont rendu un peu sympathique. Mais bon.

elianereads's review against another edition

3.0

j'étais aucunement attachée aux personnages, mais it was fun to read!

cookiemaki's review against another edition

4.0

Le premier livre que j'ai lu de celle qui deviendra mon auteure préférée. Une lecture avec beaucoup d'humour, où la fantaisie de l'exagération d'une culture différente et la réalité se juxtaposent brillamment

emmamd's review against another edition

funny sad 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? Yes

3.0

sorrymareena's review

3.0

primera vez que leo en francés!!!! me ha gustado es entretenido

tantoporleer's review against another edition

challenging funny informative relaxing 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

alicia_sg's review against another edition

5.0

Esta novela corta se centra en el honor empresarial y la identidad en el trabajo de la estructura económica sin escrúpulos japonesa. Actualmente, cualquiera que haya trabajado en una empresa multinacional se sentirá identificado por este texto irónico y cruel sobre la escasez de miras y humanidad dentro del mundo empresarial. Maravilla.

naley's review against another edition

funny informative reflective relaxing fast-paced

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

3.0