koberreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
It is one of his best raw prose of Murakami regarding human nature and the unexpected desires that come out of oneself. It is also largely a love story of infidelity that would be more relatable to a married man or woman which at the same can be a tale of warning of what to do or not to do. but poetic and reflective enough for any reader. But I guess if you are married while reading this or longing for your childhood love to emerge into your adult life then this would most likely be a masterpiece for you because the poetry and feelings of each word would be tenfold an experience for you.
But for a guy who doesn't have those things. Another reflective novel for me. I have an odd preference “to reflect” so forgive me for liking the book because of that.
Also, read well the part about insider trading. Know what is and do it
Also goddamn, let it go, and don't cheat man.
If you are questioning who you are because of this book, I have a proposition from Rupert Spira:
The awareness that is aware of the depression, loneliness, or sense of lack that you have, is the same awareness that also feels excitement or a positive thought
That's who you are, the awareness. The ever-present, complete, and in always pristine condition no matter what you felt before, whatever you are feeling right now, and whatever you will be feeling in the future, you will always be aware, no matter what in its pristine condition. It is also the happiness we all seek. But sadly we seek it in things or other people, in this case, Hajime looks for it in his mysterious unstable childhood love
If you feel like the feeling right now is not to your liking or feel you are weighed down by it. It's just a thought. There are no bad or good thoughts/feelings. Just helpful and unhelpful ones, you can always choose which thought or feeling to feed.
Go pick-up Rupert Spira book "Being aware of being aware" book if you want a deep dive on this or want some clarification after feeling lonely and lost in a book that makes you such in the end.
Graphic: Sexism, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
eyeseyed's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Stalking
Minor: Child death
risemini's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Death, Child death, and Sexual content
asakia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
brodway's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity
minzzi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Shimamoto, on the other hand, was so interesting to me (again, finding her interesting is probably the point of the book). All though most of her character is just "beautiful mysterious lady", I think you can extract much more from her. She is a ghost (metaphorically or literally, depends on your opinion), a omen of the past, here to hunt Hajime and remind him what his life could have been while at the same time trying to give her life some sense of normalcy.
Sadly, a don't know anything about Japan's internal politics and economy, so a lot of the political criticism and references to historical events went over my head.
Graphic: Stalking and Infidelity
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Child death, Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Suicide attempt
kaddyren's review against another edition
- 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
2.0
Note: The sex scenes were so uncomfortable. I am definitely too young to be reading those.
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment
brayzia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content
qi_'s review against another edition
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
as usual: the prose, the thoughts, the emotions, the introspection... YES.
the only thing making me hesitate from 5 stars is that i felt more of the story could have been fleshed out with a longer page count.
i need to re-read norwegian wood so i can compare his two contemporary novels which will probably help me solidify an opinion.
Graphic: Sexual content
issy888's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Suicide attempt