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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
mysterious
slow-paced
Where to begin with this monster of a story…
Let me start with the main gripe:
Tangents: Murakami is a great storyteller. However, he does this thing where he goes into an incredible amount of detail on things that don’t really have to be explained as much as they are. Sure, there are times when that’s valid, but it made very little sense plot-wise or mood-wise. I really didn’t need to know that much about war strategies.
With that being said
This story is incredibly nuanced, best described as a metaphysical onion. There’s A LOT of intricacies and layers happening at once, culminating in a piece of work that feels alive. The book genuinely becomes more impressive the more you dig into and analyze it. Ultimately, I see The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle as a tale of loss, apathy, hope, connection, and identity. A legitimate feat in fiction, I’m still not sure I’d recommend this to someone that isn’t planning on being an active participant in the story. However, if you do plan on doing the work, the outcome is rewarding.
4/5
Let me start with the main gripe:
Tangents: Murakami is a great storyteller. However, he does this thing where he goes into an incredible amount of detail on things that don’t really have to be explained as much as they are. Sure, there are times when that’s valid, but it made very little sense plot-wise or mood-wise. I really didn’t need to know that much about war strategies.
With that being said
This story is incredibly nuanced, best described as a metaphysical onion. There’s A LOT of intricacies and layers happening at once, culminating in a piece of work that feels alive. The book genuinely becomes more impressive the more you dig into and analyze it. Ultimately, I see The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle as a tale of loss, apathy, hope, connection, and identity. A legitimate feat in fiction, I’m still not sure I’d recommend this to someone that isn’t planning on being an active participant in the story. However, if you do plan on doing the work, the outcome is rewarding.
4/5
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Took me awhile to get through this one, reminded me of Cloud Atlas - complex and surreal.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I almost DNF'd this book around page 50 and, honestly, I should have. This was just not for me. The concept was interesting enough to keep me going because I wanted to find out how everything ended, but it was a slog to get through. Typically, I enjoy magical realism and these kinds of bizarre stories - and I can appreciate what Murakami was trying to do here - but this did not do it for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt
Minor: Alcohol
Great book - I've never read anything like this. The plot got better and better.
slow-paced
