Reviews

Lucertola by Banana Yoshimoto

ardour's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

anaurrutia's review against another edition

3.0

Cuentos para perderse en reflexiones... no tan impactantes ni magistrales, pero sí entretenidos e interesantes.

brokebookmt's review against another edition

3.0

All in all, this was a nice read. Like other collections of short stories, Lizard has a mix of good and just okay stories. My favorites are Lizard, Blood and Water, and A Strange Tale from Down by the River. I love how the book centers around finding a place to belong and a hope to live. I especially adore how the stories portray how the past and present intersect and interact. The portrayal of the confusion and dread really felt close to my heart. I would definitely read more of Yoshimoto’s works!
3.75 ⭐️

abejeschnake's review against another edition

funny hopeful reflective relaxing fast-paced

4.25

evamgbg's review against another edition

4.0

I was recommended this book as something to read if you're feeling lost, which I certainly am, and I can certainly see why. I just finished reading it in basically one sitting. For those that are growing up and out/into themselves, in a new city, missing home/family but needing to start fresh, learning/trying to fall in love in spite of childhood trauma; for any sort of confusion and feeling of not knowing about life, it's a beautiful read.

vanessa_177's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

twiggwit's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.75

phoenix2's review against another edition

2.0

Lizard is an anthology of short stories by Banana Yoshimoto. And even though they all had her flare and distinctive way of narration, I did enjoy the first ones only, with the final one kind of losing me with its twists and turns. I like also the ideas embedded in the stories.

brindabani's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

coffeebooksrepeat's review against another edition

5.0

These stories of guilt, of dancing DNAs, of river bridges, of losing and later (re)discovering spirituality, and bringing home a huge jar of kimchee show relatable circumstances of adults searching for things that truly matter while facing real world challenges in urban cities.

Reading this tiny book about experiences, trauma, healing, and becoming was satisfying but at the same time frustrating because I wanted a couple of stories to be a bit longer, a full novel even.

Officially signing up as a member of #Bananarama!

While I usually rate my books with coffee, I’d rate this one differently. Giving this wonderful little gem 4 huge jars of homemade kimchee.