griffgriffgriff's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sofs's review against another edition
hopeful
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? No
3.0
Los relatos de este libro atacan la juventud y la incertidumbre que trae consigo, y lidian con la soledad y la esperanza en formas iguales. Sus personajes suelen ser personas estancadas en sus vidas, que incluso así, terminan encontrando nuevos motivos para seguir adelante.
Me gustó mucho Lagartija. Especialmente el relato que lleva su nombre. Todos son muy ricos, sin embargo; lo suficientemente complejos para ser interesantes, pero con la sencillez necesaria para sentirse identificado con cada uno de ellos.
No hay ninguna duda de que continuaré leyendo a la autora.
Me gustó mucho Lagartija. Especialmente el relato que lleva su nombre. Todos son muy ricos, sin embargo; lo suficientemente complejos para ser interesantes, pero con la sencillez necesaria para sentirse identificado con cada uno de ellos.
No hay ninguna duda de que continuaré leyendo a la autora.
magsco's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.25
pangnaolin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I got Banana Yoshimoto’s book of three short stories, Asleep, as a gift from my nanny in 7th grade, and my entire view of literature changed. After reading that, I quickly looked for more and found my way to both Lizard and Kitchen.
This book, though I loved some aspects of the stories and have both lines and images from it that still stick with me, fell short in comparison to the other books. It was generally enjoyable to read, and I blew threw it as quickly as I did her other books with their wonderful writing, but it ended up being sort of immemorable and I didn’t feel the emotional impact that I did with her other writing.
Absolutely still amazing writing, it just lacked a lot of the emotions and intensity that I’d been hoping for. I wouldn’t say you shouldn't read it, but I think she has better books I'd recommend you check out first.
This book, though I loved some aspects of the stories and have both lines and images from it that still stick with me, fell short in comparison to the other books. It was generally enjoyable to read, and I blew threw it as quickly as I did her other books with their wonderful writing, but it ended up being sort of immemorable and I didn’t feel the emotional impact that I did with her other writing.
Absolutely still amazing writing, it just lacked a lot of the emotions and intensity that I’d been hoping for. I wouldn’t say you shouldn't read it, but I think she has better books I'd recommend you check out first.
anaurrutia's review against another edition
3.0
Cuentos para perderse en reflexiones... no tan impactantes ni magistrales, pero sí entretenidos e interesantes.
jana1234_'s review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
bigbookgeek's review against another edition
4.0
Lizard is a splendid collection of stories! I've enjoyed Banana Yoshimoto's work before, and do love her themes of death, grieving, and hope. What a surprise it was to read a group of stories dealing with love, fate, and hope. A bit different, but it still works in her amazing voice!
eglantine25's review against another edition
5.0
It had been a while since I had read a book of short stories and I honestly enjoyed it a lot the sentiment it leaves you with is rare
annereads33's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
indigoarden's review against another edition
3.0
A brief collection of short stories tackling everyday complex human meanderings about life - the things we subconsciously ask ourselves but never voice out. Like talking to an inner voice that asks questions we never really have answers for.
Only giving it 3-stars because although I appreciated the intentional attempts at sentiment, I felt quite disappointed when I found myself losing interest as each story went by - my attention span waning. Like water falling through spaces between my fingers, the book simply did not prevail in consistently holding a grasp. If there was any, it was fleeting. The first stories really did start off promising but unfortunately the rest fell flat. Like a steeping cup of hot coffee unexpectedly turning lukewarm faster than the usual time it takes to leisurely enjoy the experience. As it is, this book certainly didn’t save the best for last - a steady descent towards the mundane. Unfortunately, it ended up leaving quite a dull forgetful taste in my mouth.
Only giving it 3-stars because although I appreciated the intentional attempts at sentiment, I felt quite disappointed when I found myself losing interest as each story went by - my attention span waning. Like water falling through spaces between my fingers, the book simply did not prevail in consistently holding a grasp. If there was any, it was fleeting. The first stories really did start off promising but unfortunately the rest fell flat. Like a steeping cup of hot coffee unexpectedly turning lukewarm faster than the usual time it takes to leisurely enjoy the experience. As it is, this book certainly didn’t save the best for last - a steady descent towards the mundane. Unfortunately, it ended up leaving quite a dull forgetful taste in my mouth.