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alisarae's review against another edition
I was interested by about 1/3 of the stories: the two elephant stories, the one about the landscaper, and the other about the boxer. That is it. Murakami’s batting average is about that, for me.
irxren's review against another edition
3.0
The Elephant Vanishes is this quirky compilation of 17 short stories that took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I couldn't help but notice how the book shines a light on the themes of loneliness and the struggle to break free from the chains of conformity in modern Japanese culture. Some stories resonated with me, while others left me scratching my head, but all in all, it was a pretty enjoyable ride.
Picking a favorite story was like trying to choose a favorite flavor of ice cream—impossible! The writing was solid across the board, leaving me with that lingering aftertaste that makes you pause and ponder. And speaking of nuances, oh boy, Murakami throws in these strange details that practically beg you to read between the lines.
It's a peculiar book indeed.
Picking a favorite story was like trying to choose a favorite flavor of ice cream—impossible! The writing was solid across the board, leaving me with that lingering aftertaste that makes you pause and ponder. And speaking of nuances, oh boy, Murakami throws in these strange details that practically beg you to read between the lines.
It's a peculiar book indeed.
whatname's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoy the journey and surrealism Murakami's novels take you on, but this is the first of the five books I've read from him that didn't resonate with me. I wasn't engaged with the story, it didn't hold me like the others. I still, however, plan to read more of his books in the future.
lucie_b's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ndakota's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
jcoryv's review against another edition
4.0
There’s at least 3 stories related to The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, which makes me want to read that again. Aside from that, The Silence was probably my favorite.
I’ve thought a bit about how to describe Murakami’s writing, and I think this is close… even when it’s not necessarily interesting, it’s still compelling.
(Edit 9/1/21: Maybe only the one story related to The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle… I confused Noboru Watanabe with Noboru Wataya.)
I’ve thought a bit about how to describe Murakami’s writing, and I think this is close… even when it’s not necessarily interesting, it’s still compelling.
(Edit 9/1/21: Maybe only the one story related to The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle… I confused Noboru Watanabe with Noboru Wataya.)
acmarinho3's review against another edition
5.0
Uma short story cómica que se lê num sopro e nos diverte imenso.
kenz_g's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0