thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
1.5
this is a strange lil book thats honestly not too bad...if one isnt looking for a story w/ some semblance of plot, character development or clear timelines. though the msg and themes are quite clear, it's undeniable that the factory still leaves quite a bit to be desired. the content def serves to reiterate the novel's msg - and it's a relevant one - but the execution imo couldve been handled better or w/ more finesse.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death
demo's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death
savvylit's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
In The Factory, Hiroko Oyamada has created a deeply unsettling example of workplace horror. Featuring a nonlinear narrative and elements of magical realism, this novella builds a pervasive sense of dread and confusion. Ultimately, Oyamada has produced a capitalist critique that is both authentic and surreal.
Almost from their first days on the job, each character incrementally loses their agency until the factory becomes their whole life. While some may find this book boring - as it does include lengthy descriptions of workplace routines - I loved it. The depictions of rote work are what make this novella pack such a large punch in a small amount of space. The drudgery mirrors the true nature of factory work; it is repetitive, demeaning, and seemingly pointless.
Almost from their first days on the job, each character incrementally loses their agency until the factory becomes their whole life. While some may find this book boring - as it does include lengthy descriptions of workplace routines - I loved it. The depictions of rote work are what make this novella pack such a large punch in a small amount of space. The drudgery mirrors the true nature of factory work; it is repetitive, demeaning, and seemingly pointless.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death
sherbertwells's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Three employees at a sprawling, anonymous factory lose track of their purpose and, eventually, their humanity. While Oyamada provides a suitably soul-crushing, morbid setting, the brevity of her work prevents it from unleashing its full horrific power.
“As I opened the basement-level door, I thought I could smell birds” (3)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Sexual assault
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