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bella613's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I didn't love this book the way I loved Killing Commendatore. It was not quite what I expected, especially after hearing it was this book that exploded Murakami into fame. But I did connect with it. As it is with Murakami, there are some uncomfortable sections of the book. But there are some uncomfortable moments in life, so... it's sort of beautiful that he captures it so intensely?
I found myself most drawn to Naoko in this story. Midori as a character is someone I would probably not enjoy spending time with in real life, but added to the story in a mostly positive way. I didn't like Toru much in the same way that one might not like oneself. Listening from his pov felt like looking back on one's own life and seeing all the flaws and mistakes and self-centered choices that were made. But he was very real. That's one thing I also love about Murakami: all of his characters feel undeniably real.
My favorite part of the book was probably the long letter describing the sanatorium and the following visit to the sanatorium.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, Mental illness, Rape, Alcohol, Sexual content, Suicide, Death, and Grief
erilcastro's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The beginning of the book was the hardest part of the read, it was a bump I had to get over then finally 20 pages in I was really enjoying myself. The book follows the main character as he develops friendships and relationships, which is my favorite parts of books because this drives growth. Nothing in the writing is especially punchy, the wit and humor is subtle but delightful. If this book where an experience it would be like watching people at the park on a warm spring day with a soft wind when suddenly a large cloud rolls over and it gets cold, so it’s time to go or else you’ll stay cold.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Suicide
esv_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicide, Adult/minor relationship, Terminal illness, Mental illness, and Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Infidelity, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Rape, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Car accident, Chronic illness, and Sexism
pauroxas's review against another edition
- 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
I have first picked it up after having been kicked out of the university and I had gone back home in disgrace. I was 16, very sick, friendless and hopeless.
Within the pages of this book, I have felt understood. It had spoken of things that other people were too afraid (or could not be bothered) to talk about with me. Death, loss, grief, unrequited love, depression, desolation, isolation, darkness; but also - growing up, learning about one's sexuality and sex, friendship, devotion, hope, little glimpses of light. But I hadn't known yet how much of this book I would get to experience for myself.
I have lived with this book, I have lived through it, I have lived by it. I have identified with every character in it, I kid you not. I had found myself in many of their situations. I had grieved their losses and experienced their pain. It felt very much like I was constantly drifting in and out of this book, my life having been woven in its pages before I have even lived it. In so many ways, I am still that 16-year-old.
It will be interesting to meet up with this old friend again someday. Maybe, if I find myself out of the woods.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Suicide attempt, Grief, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Sexual content
hattarasaari's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
Graphic: Suicide and Suicidal thoughts
annahollamby's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Grief, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Body shaming, Lesbophobia, Suicide, Ableism, Adult/minor relationship, and Emotional abuse
ashtree_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
letter_planet's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Death of parent
skaiaa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.75
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
st1va's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Terminal illness, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Sexual violence