nihilistmermaid's review against another edition
5.0
A *Bananafish* is a very ordinary- looking fish who has a peculiar habit of its own.
It swims into a hole where there's a lot of bananas. Once it gets in, it behaves like a pig and eats as many as 78 bananas. Naturally, after that bananafishes become so fat they can't get out of the hole again. Can't fit through the door.. they eventually die.
.
Oh god, Seymour!
What a metaphor!
Couldn't stop recalling Franny & Zooey for a single moment.
It swims into a hole where there's a lot of bananas. Once it gets in, it behaves like a pig and eats as many as 78 bananas. Naturally, after that bananafishes become so fat they can't get out of the hole again. Can't fit through the door.. they eventually die.
.
Oh god, Seymour!
What a metaphor!
Couldn't stop recalling Franny & Zooey for a single moment.
ceelie's review against another edition
5.0
I rarely get taken in by short stories, but with this one, I felt like being swooped right into the setting entirely. What's engrossing about it is how the story leaves you wondering after you finish it.
I originally picked this up because of my current liking of the anime series and manga, Banana Fish. I'm amazed how this short story influenced the creator, I just can't get enough!
I originally picked this up because of my current liking of the anime series and manga, Banana Fish. I'm amazed how this short story influenced the creator, I just can't get enough!
222reece's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
maxident's review against another edition
3.0
Listen. I understand what the story is about, the symbolism, all of that. But in what world is it okay for a grown man to kiss a little girl's foot? Seymour gave me major pedo vibes, which made it very disturbing to read. I liked the writing style, especially the phone conversation, but the part with Sybil weirded me out. Otherwise, it was a good read.
tir_na_nog_300's review against another edition
5.0
Okay, this is a story you can read in 20 minutes, but need extensive time to ponder. It’s a wonderful story about a man who just can’t connect with the adults around him anymore, but you might not get the true purpose unless you reread it or give yourself time to think about it.
There is a deeper meaning to this story. Exploring themes of innocence & youth, while also drawing attention to the vanity around constant commercialism. Not to mention the highly enigmatic ending. It's easy to get caught up in material pleasures, but the male character is quite to draw attention to its problems after returning from war.
Give it a read, then give yourself the opportunity to think back on it.
There is a deeper meaning to this story. Exploring themes of innocence & youth, while also drawing attention to the vanity around constant commercialism. Not to mention the highly enigmatic ending. It's easy to get caught up in material pleasures, but the male character is quite to draw attention to its problems after returning from war.
Give it a read, then give yourself the opportunity to think back on it.
sanmeow's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
it's alright, nothing special. i liked the concept of the bananafish but nothing else was particularly interesting or impressive to me. this is mostly because salinger's style doesn't speak to me and it never has </3 to be fair, i did only read it because i adore banana fish (the manga and anime).