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amilabell's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Sexism
I wish Murakami would be able to write a female character without describing their boobs for once!pippohno's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Misogyny
maybealexisreading's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Torture, Blood, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence, and Sexual content
Minor: Sexism and Xenophobia
nochnitsa's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexism
Minor: Pedophilia
katyaj's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Sexism, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Misogyny
kirstenreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual content
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