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cpreeta6's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Okay, I am now starting to realize why people say that Murakami is at his best in short books. This book was all about the atmosphere. The fact that the whole book takes place over the course of one night, "after dark" was a clever idea. You could never tell where the surreal and the mundane overlapped. The book makes you think, and question what you read. The conversations are philosophical at times, but hell, who isn't a bit philosophical in the middle of the night?
That out one thing towards the end gave me the ick - it was totally unnecessary, and most people who have read the book would agree. Otherwise, I really liked it, and it was a solid read. It was unlike, yet completely like him to write a book like this one. I am always surprised at the difference between his books and their themes. It completely follows his writing style, but the story? It almost feels like the same person could not have thought of After Dark and say, Killing Commandatore, my favorite among all his books.
The prose was beautiful, and the use of present tense throughout the book made me feel the time ticking away. Also, as the book is a short one, I finished it in one sitting, which augmented that feeling. The reference to the reader as a camera was a bit unnerving, and did break the trance the book put me in at times.
Overall, I believe it takes a spot in the top books I have read by Murakami.
That out one thing towards the end gave me the ick - it was totally unnecessary, and most people who have read the book would agree. Otherwise, I really liked it, and it was a solid read. It was unlike, yet completely like him to write a book like this one. I am always surprised at the difference between his books and their themes. It completely follows his writing style, but the story? It almost feels like the same person could not have thought of After Dark and say, Killing Commandatore, my favorite among all his books.
The prose was beautiful, and the use of present tense throughout the book made me feel the time ticking away. Also, as the book is a short one, I finished it in one sitting, which augmented that feeling. The reference to the reader as a camera was a bit unnerving, and did break the trance the book put me in at times.
Overall, I believe it takes a spot in the top books I have read by Murakami.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Physical abuse, Blood, and Death of parent
frogreads_'s review against another edition
I was listening to this as an audiobook. It wasn't very capitvating to me....just kind of weird. I felt like i was listening to people's thoughts but they were roundabout and not particularly interesting. The fantasy/strangeness aspect wasnt very well fleshed out.
Seems like more of a commentary of how people interact with society-i generally like that but not here. The descriptions of stuff were good but the dialog was bland. Not sure if this is just a problem with this book or if i wouldn't like more of the authors works.
Seems like more of a commentary of how people interact with society-i generally like that but not here. The descriptions of stuff were good but the dialog was bland. Not sure if this is just a problem with this book or if i wouldn't like more of the authors works.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Violence, and Death of parent
flowerssss's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Violence, Trafficking, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infidelity and Sexual content
Minor: Bullying and Death of parent
marianadgmendes's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual violence, Violence, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
april98's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5
This book started as a strong five... so what went wrong?
(Admittedly, I rushed to the end which might have impacted my enjoyment.)
Murakami maintains a strange and slow rhythm for the majority of the novel and we are then thrust towards the end without any real preparation. I'm choosing to believe the pacing reflects the time of night. For those awake, the night feels long and once morning arrives, the after-hours adventure is done - without any real warning.
While the story focuses on Mari and, by extension, Eri, I wanted more chapters exploring surrealism and the strange happenings of side characters.
As readers, so many tantalising threads are dangled in front of us. If only Murakami allowed us to catch more of them.
This book started as a strong five... so what went wrong?
(Admittedly, I rushed to the end which might have impacted my enjoyment.)
Murakami maintains a strange and slow rhythm for the majority of the novel and we are then thrust towards the end without any real preparation. I'm choosing to believe the pacing reflects the time of night. For those awake, the night feels long and once morning arrives, the after-hours adventure is done - without any real warning.
While the story focuses on Mari and, by extension, Eri, I wanted more chapters exploring surrealism and the strange happenings of side characters.
As readers, so many tantalising threads are dangled in front of us. If only Murakami allowed us to catch more of them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking
Moderate: Violence and Blood
Minor: Bullying