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abbie_'s review against another edition
fast-paced
1.5
This was an odd little book. I’ve never read any of Belgian author Amélie Nothomb’s books, but I know of her reputation for being somewhat outlandish. This book is based on her real life experiences working for a large Japanese corporation, and is meant as a satirical portrayal of the huge role work plays in Japanese society. It was published in 1999 and by christ you can tell - it’s definitely a product of its time, and the casual racism and fatphobia made it a difficult read. It’s a shame, as there are some genuinely funny parts, but the sweeping generalisations of Japanese women, Japanese men, Japanese bosses just left a bad taste.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Racism, and Xenophobia
anakuyenhn's review against another edition
informative
reflective
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
skinnerbx's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- 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? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Fatphobia, and Xenophobia
remuslibrary's review against another edition
funny
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Emotional abuse, and Fatphobia
Moderate: Body shaming
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
serjbengar's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-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? Yes
4.5
I didn't expect to laugh while reading this book. Maybe the workplace setting bored me the first time I started to read it. The narrator loses it in such an absurd way as a result of the situations she faces, and you either burst into laughter or stare in disbelief.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
iolexx's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia