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blau_elmo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The book uses subtle occurrences, like the disappearance/reappearance of the main character's pet cat Noboru, as a catalyst for other stranger occurrences in the book. Everything is tied together in this convoluted but enthralling web, and Murakami keeps pulling his signature twists and turns to keep the reader engaged.
I would describe this more as a collection of character stories bound together to form one cohesive novel. Every story, from the Lieutenant's war story to Nutmeg's disability, to Okada and May and Creta's unique personalities, creates the blend of adventure and introspection that Murakami does so well.
The comparison between the main character and
An adventure through and through; my favourite Murakami book for sure.
Graphic: Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gun violence and Sexual content
evetoi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Torture, and Abortion
risemini's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, and War
meghanc's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
Moderate: Sexual content and Violence
anastasiamakes's review against another edition
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, and Sexual content
Moderate: Rape, Suicide, and Pregnancy
Minor: Alcohol
kaitlyn_avecado's review against another edition
1.5
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Violence, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: War
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, and Abortion
shannanigans's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Vomit, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
ninthwave's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
As far as basic enjoyment goes, I didn't realize it would be quite so violent. I understand the necessity of it in the narrative, I just didn't expect it going in. If you haven't read it and are considering doing so, it is very graphic.
It's interesting that readers spend so much intimate time with the main character in his head, yet very few of the other characters with whom he interacts ever address him by his first name; indeed, only one character ever addresses him by his first name alone, and only once, as I recall. This decision by the author is an effective technique that increases the sense of distance between the protagonist and his world.
This was well-written, but I preferred 1Q84's story.
It's difficult to assign a star rating. There's plenty of symbolism and some of the prose is beautiful. However, the pacing dragged for me at certain points, and I didn't find the tale as a whole consistently compelling, particularly some of Mamiya's recollections. Comparing Murakami to Murakami, I think 1Q84 is the stronger work.
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and War
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Abortion
hello_lovely13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Suicide attempt, and War
Moderate: Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, Abortion, and Murder
Minor: Incest and Suicide
toves's review against another edition
4.5
This is my second time reading this book--I read it in high school and remembered it being 'dreamlike and chill'. Was very surprised at the level of graphic content. You'd think I would have remembered That One Part in Lt. Mamiya's Long Story, at the very least! Wow!
Thanks to this book I: cooked pasta while listening to the overture to 'The Thieving Magpie' (& I agree with Mr. Wind-up Bird; it's a good time), took photos of my ears, now refer to the ducks at my local park as 'the duck people'. I still want to: write a description of the alley behind my house, spend a day at the mall staring at people's faces.
LISTEN, TLDR: IS THE CAT OK?:
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Suicide attempt, and War
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Physical abuse