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challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my 4rd Murakami and I think he's one of those writers you need to allow a bit of time for his work to steep before forming an opinion. Towards the last fifth of the book, it put me in mind of a David Lynch production. If you know, you know.
There were some very visceral violent scenes so be warned.
There were some very visceral violent scenes so be warned.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Sexual content, Abortion
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved the inter-leaving stories in this book, and the mysteries were deeply intriguing. I liked that they were simultaneously explored while remaining largely unresolved. But I didn't care for the gratuitous death and gore (although I could somewhat see that contributing to the story), the weird pedophila, or the fact that while half of the characters are women their only point is to revolve around and relate to the men.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Murder
Moderate: Pedophilia
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book will definitely require a reread. I'm still trying to process it. It was completely enthralling the entire time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Body horror, Death, Genocide, Incest, Infidelity, Suicide, Violence, Abortion, Suicide attempt
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
From reading the other reviews, it seems this is a love-it or hate-it book. I am on the love-it side but I honestly cannot tell you why.
I am usually not into books with graphic violence, slow plots, and (relatively) passive protagonists, but something lured me into this story and I couldn't shake it off. (And I started to grow fond of Toru.)
This is my first Murakami book so I don't know if this is his style or specific to this story, but I found the way emotions are written in this book incredibly contagious. I mean that sometimes I would feel my own feelings how the protagonist felt his: distanced but incredibly detailed and accepting. I was able to step into another way of feeling in a way that I think is really rare. It felt like I was part of the surrealist landscape. If that intrigues you, try it!
I am usually not into books with graphic violence, slow plots, and (relatively) passive protagonists, but something lured me into this story and I couldn't shake it off. (And I started to grow fond of Toru.)
This is my first Murakami book so I don't know if this is his style or specific to this story, but I found the way emotions are written in this book incredibly contagious. I mean that sometimes I would feel my own feelings how the protagonist felt his: distanced but incredibly detailed and accepting. I was able to step into another way of feeling in a way that I think is really rare. It felt like I was part of the surrealist landscape. If that intrigues you, try it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Vomit
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
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, Violence
Moderate: Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Never read anything like it. It makes no sense but also makes perfect sense. Love Murakami.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Violence
Minor: Suicide, Vomit