Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

I REALLY wanted to like this book. At first, I was intrigued by Murakami's storytelling. I was enjoying the bits and pieces that reminded me of the Monogatari series by Nisio Isin, who cited Murkami as one of his biggest influences. However, I was not okay with the misogyny in the book. None of the women could pass the Bechdel Test. Also, they were just so sexualized and the gender roles + stereotyping were as clear as day. Overall, very disappointed.

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loveyoutothemoonandtosaturn's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

honestly not totally sure wtf i just read but i enjoyed the journey

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m4rtt4's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark 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

A new drinking game: take a shot every time Murakami mentions someone's breasts.

I read this in English a couple years ago and it didn't hit me quite as hard as Murakami's other thicker novels, thought it was just a language issue and now re-read it in my native tongue. Turns out it wasn't the language, it was the story or maybe me. Not bad this time either, a solid more-than-three-stars, even better if you exclude the excessive #menwritingwomen scenes Murakami's unfortunately known for – and this time, sexualising a minor?? Poor Mei/May. My favourite scenes were the ones set around the war times Lieutenant Mamiya's story and Akasaka Muscot's childhood, though I also liked the Kano sisters and Mei/May a lot and let's be honest, plot-wise there wasn't much to dislike, just not much to really love either.

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marinarc's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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nochnitsa's review against another edition

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I chose this book to be my first proper Murakami because, as description said, it's a collection of all the typical Murakami elements, and of course the cover is absolutely stunning. The cover is also the only thing that could make me regret not finishing or liking this book. I'm over a 100 pages in, and so far, despite lots of things happening and many many words, it feels like the book lacks real substance. What really makes me uncomfortable though (and it is the main reason for me dnf-ing this book) is the way Murakami writes women or about women. Associating a teenager with a woman who propositioned him phone sex? Talking about violent rape and forced prostitution like it's a weather forecast and then having a wet dream about the sane woman woman? Sounds a tiny bit disturbing to me, no thank you very much. I doubt I'll ever give Murakami another try after this.

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katyaj's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I don't believe that I will ever be able to describe this book in the way it deserves. I cannot explain what made me love this, or made me read page after page but I felt compelled to. It is a fantastic book, and I would highly recommend it, but it is not for those who are squeamish, or those looking for a fast paced plot.

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