A review by rancid87
Coin Locker Babies by Ryū Murakami

medium-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? Yes

3.5

Magic is always simmering closer to the surface of reality in Japanese fiction and Coin Locker Babies is no exception. A disturbing deep-dive into violence, insanity and the impact trauma has on the body and the mind. I didn't find the plot that compelling and the use of sexism, homophobia and racism were hard to swallow but overall contributed to the vileness of the main characters.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Biphobia, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Police brutality, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment