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protoman21's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first book by Ishiguro that I have read, and I must say that his reputation is well deserved! I found this to be thoroughly engaging from the start and though it never had big exciting heart pounding moments, it had a depth of thought to it that was worth way more than a series of action scenes with zero character development. This was pure character development that is advanced, not through artificial words and happenings that tell the reader exactly what to think and feel. No, this is subtle writing that leads you on a journey into the heart and mind of a character, and lets you glimpse the world through their eyes and feel it through their heart.
Kathy isn't extraordinary. She isn't the chosen one. She isn't the world's last hope. She is just a girl going to school and doing what she is supposed to do. Though this is a dystopian novel, most of the dystopian elements take place just off screen and the big (and ultimately unsuccessful) revolution is enacted completely off screen and by none of the central characters. Kathy is still a character you root for, and not even in an obvious "I hope she ends up with Tommy" kind of way. You just want her to be happy. You want her to have a good life and to stop letting herself get taken advantage off by Ruth.
Ruth is a fascinating character because you are constantly told that she is Kathy's best friend, but then you are given example after example of how she is manipulative and selfish. Yes, kids can be selfish, but the forethought involved some of Ruth's manipulations is scary. And yet, Kathy and Tommy can't seem to tear themselves away from her seductive power.
Tommy is also interesting because of the way that he starts out, literally as the laughingstock. It is real that sometimes people grow out of their awkward beginnings and transform themselves so that they can climb the social ladder, or at least no longer be on the bottom, but you don't often see this story told quite like this. It is usually a story of triumph, or one of the dangers of leaving your true friends behind. But in this story, Tommy learns to control his outbursts and becomes one of the crowd, but you can see that he never quite fits in and that there is a constant strain on him to be someone who doesn't get picked on. All of this is subtext, which lends the words so much more meaning and enriches the experience of reading the novel to the next level and beyond.
Kathy isn't extraordinary. She isn't the chosen one. She isn't the world's last hope. She is just a girl going to school and doing what she is supposed to do. Though this is a dystopian novel, most of the dystopian elements take place just off screen and the big (and ultimately unsuccessful) revolution is enacted completely off screen and by none of the central characters. Kathy is still a character you root for, and not even in an obvious "I hope she ends up with Tommy" kind of way. You just want her to be happy. You want her to have a good life and to stop letting herself get taken advantage off by Ruth.
Ruth is a fascinating character because you are constantly told that she is Kathy's best friend, but then you are given example after example of how she is manipulative and selfish. Yes, kids can be selfish, but the forethought involved some of Ruth's manipulations is scary. And yet, Kathy and Tommy can't seem to tear themselves away from her seductive power.
Tommy is also interesting because of the way that he starts out, literally as the laughingstock. It is real that sometimes people grow out of their awkward beginnings and transform themselves so that they can climb the social ladder, or at least no longer be on the bottom, but you don't often see this story told quite like this. It is usually a story of triumph, or one of the dangers of leaving your true friends behind. But in this story, Tommy learns to control his outbursts and becomes one of the crowd, but you can see that he never quite fits in and that there is a constant strain on him to be someone who doesn't get picked on. All of this is subtext, which lends the words so much more meaning and enriches the experience of reading the novel to the next level and beyond.
maxrox's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
britttain's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
yarn_chicken's review against another edition
1.0
I recognize that this is well-written. I did not like it.
Maybe it's because I read it at the wrong time? Maybe it's because I listened to it and it would have been better in a different format. It was not for me in any case. Years later, I still have a visceral, negative reaction any time it comes up.
Maybe it's because I read it at the wrong time? Maybe it's because I listened to it and it would have been better in a different format. It was not for me in any case. Years later, I still have a visceral, negative reaction any time it comes up.
niamhdo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
booksofjj's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Quite enjoy this book but did get lost at some parts due to listening in short bursts over a long period of time
dobilodeau's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
aisha_xlixix's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.75
junyan's review against another edition
3.0
This book got the similar vibe of yakusoku no neverland but not as creepy and leaves more deep topics to discuss.
I didn’t rate it 4 stars bc I simply don’t care about Kathy’s daily life, her relationships with friends and her boring romantic thoughts
I didn’t rate it 4 stars bc I simply don’t care about Kathy’s daily life, her relationships with friends and her boring romantic thoughts
jennyfermiranda's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0