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laura1laura2's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
danangj's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
gaby_redacted's review against another edition
I just can't get over the fact that he already told me multiple times about his sexual encounters; I feel like Murakami tends to talk about his female "characters" (they don't usually have much character tbh) in the same way: not good looking, average, but putting an emphasis on their body shape (hips and breasts).
Also, I really don't wanna know where he goes after he says that the reason he fell in love with his wife is because she reminded him of his little sister
Also, I really don't wanna know where he goes after he says that the reason he fell in love with his wife is because she reminded him of his little sister
slimdot's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
sspaghettiboness's review against another edition
At about 1/3 of the way through, this book is still reading like an alternate and lesser version of The Wind Up Bird Chronicle to me. Haruki is very hit or miss with me, this one was a miss.
I also feel really uncomfortable with the narrator talking about his sister’s developing breasts and how consistently objectified all women are in his books. When he’s good, he’s great. When he’s not, he’s a misogynist.
I also feel really uncomfortable with the narrator talking about his sister’s developing breasts and how consistently objectified all women are in his books. When he’s good, he’s great. When he’s not, he’s a misogynist.
spenkevich's review
3.0
I wish I had the level of chill Murakami protagonists have when bizarre things happen. Strange little soldier gnome in the house in the middle of the night? Just crack a small beer and say whats up!
joshburtwistle's review against another edition
2.0
This was my first Murakami. It was probably a long time coming. But I suspect, unfortunately, that this wasn't the best introduction to his work.
There are moments of genuinely haunting imagery, as there are moments of gripping mystery, historical and otherwise. There's homage paid to The Great Gatsby, not unsuccessfully. The trademark surrealism is mostly controlled; held taut, and the plot is broadly cyclical which is satisfying in a vague way.
But for every time your spine tingles, every time a question arises and you grasp for the answer, there are pages and pages of thuddingly repetitive prose, seemingly needless detours and female characters painted with a troubling lack of empathy.
I've had it put to me the possibility that somewhere down the line I may pick this up again and love it. That's true, and I hope so. But that is not today.
I will not close myself to the rest of Murakami's work but given his standing, it's difficult not to be a little confused.
There are moments of genuinely haunting imagery, as there are moments of gripping mystery, historical and otherwise. There's homage paid to The Great Gatsby, not unsuccessfully. The trademark surrealism is mostly controlled; held taut, and the plot is broadly cyclical which is satisfying in a vague way.
But for every time your spine tingles, every time a question arises and you grasp for the answer, there are pages and pages of thuddingly repetitive prose, seemingly needless detours and female characters painted with a troubling lack of empathy.
I've had it put to me the possibility that somewhere down the line I may pick this up again and love it. That's true, and I hope so. But that is not today.
I will not close myself to the rest of Murakami's work but given his standing, it's difficult not to be a little confused.
ilman002's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It has typical Murakami tropes but feels fresh. This book is more about the journey rather than destination. And what a journey this is! This story will stick with me for a long time.
uahuus_corner's review
4.0
This is an obvious 4/5 for me. Murakami always does this, he starts the story off slow, giving you small mundane details that are hardly memorable and then as the story progresses he sucks you in deeper and deeper. But he never gives you enough to be completely satisfied. Murakami is not the type of author to have everything wrapped up nicely in a bow by the time you're done, Killing commendatore is open ended and we are left to wonder what became of the characters after all this intrigue. If that's something that annoys you i would steer clear of this one. Side note: I think the conversations with the 13 year old girl about the size of her boobs was odd and uncomfortable, it didn't add much of anything to the story