meutism'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? It's complicated
5.0
murakami's way of making one night stretch to feel like thousands of years is incredible. the intense vernacular that the translator was able to convey is equally as impressive. wonderful read.
Moderate: Sexual assault, Mental illness, and Violence
nathanog123's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-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? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Sexual assault
jenniiireads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was my first murakami book and I think it gave a strong impression of his writing and story-telling style. It was interesting in how it laced in the supernatural and took place over one night. It was an interesting read, I personally enjoyed it.
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
sumisreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.0
My first Murakami read and I can see why he's so beloved in the literature world. Was an interesting plot with several events happening within a single night but at times it got rather abstract and even philosophical. So I was a bit confused sometimes. Yeah I'd say it was decent :)
Graphic: Sexual assault
rosesforreading's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Moderate: Sexual assault and Blood
Minor: Death of parent, Trafficking, Suicidal thoughts, Cancer, and Addiction
julianfromme's review against another edition
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
Moderate: Sexual assault
dienlv's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Violence and Sexual assault
stavoosh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Okay, so I picked this up knowing absolutely nothing about it except that Murakami's work is highly regarded. Maybe that is why it felt boring to me (perhaps my imagination is just a bit over-the-top). It's a short read, yet I felt bored for most of it the characters are just sitting and talking. This, however, made way for lots of philosophical ideas to arise in the ordinariness and rawness of a life in the city. The book discusses difficult subject matter in a simplified matter and investigates existential questions that we all have. I enjoyed the way I had to digest every word, but I would've liked a bit more action. I would've loved if the surrealism was more intwined in the story besides the one character. I think it was a good introduction to his work and I look forward to another read.
Basically, after finishing the book and actually reading the summary, I feel like the book sounds extremely interesting rather than the quite interesting it is.
Basically, after finishing the book and actually reading the summary, I feel like the book sounds extremely interesting rather than the quite interesting it is.
Graphic: Violence and Trafficking
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Death of parent
jcapati's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual assault
whosjessanyway's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
I am struggling to rate this book. The atmosphere is fantastic. The night life, the loneliness of some characters was depicted perfectly. However, I kind of felt the need to get some answers that never came. The story felt a little bit disconnected at times but I don’t think I will forget this reading experience any time soon, and there’s also a lot of value in the ability to make a story stick with the reader.
Spoiler
Why did that man did what he did to the Chinese girl? What actually happened to Mari’s sister? Who was the man without face?Graphic: Physical abuse, Violence, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Blood