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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
4 stars
The overall experience of reading Killing Commendatore, for someone who has been a fan of Murakami's past work, would be like slipping into a well-loved sweater—familiar and cozy.
There are a lot of returning elements: male protagonist in his mid-30s, detailed passage about cooking, specific music references (you can easily generate a Spotify playlist from his novels), and explicit, yet lyrical depiction of sex. I actually appreciate these recycled motifs as they act as security blanket of sort—creating a familiar foundation for the more fantastical elements.
This is definitely a more leisurely-paced Murakami novel, which I enjoy in parts, particularly the first portion with all the portrait sessions. Though repetitive as a narrative device, it remains a joy to read because the characters get opportunities to develop, and lot of intriguing subject matters (such as the concept of reality) get brought up and discussed. However, when the narrative shifts in its last third, from a contemplative character studies, to a more magic-laden fantasy, the pacing sometimes lacks punch, and the story feels like it's losing steam, when it should be at its surrealist peak.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Killing Commendatore—at this point of Haruki Murakami's writing career, he has developed a consistent style/story universe that his fanbase will recognize and feel nostalgic to dive into, at the same time adorned it with fully-realized new ideas. Aside from the aforementioned pacing issue. This is Murakami in his top form.
The overall experience of reading Killing Commendatore, for someone who has been a fan of Murakami's past work, would be like slipping into a well-loved sweater—familiar and cozy.
There are a lot of returning elements: male protagonist in his mid-30s, detailed passage about cooking, specific music references (you can easily generate a Spotify playlist from his novels), and explicit, yet lyrical depiction of sex. I actually appreciate these recycled motifs as they act as security blanket of sort—creating a familiar foundation for the more fantastical elements.
This is definitely a more leisurely-paced Murakami novel, which I enjoy in parts, particularly the first portion with all the portrait sessions. Though repetitive as a narrative device, it remains a joy to read because the characters get opportunities to develop, and lot of intriguing subject matters (such as the concept of reality) get brought up and discussed. However, when the narrative shifts in its last third, from a contemplative character studies, to a more magic-laden fantasy, the pacing sometimes lacks punch, and the story feels like it's losing steam, when it should be at its surrealist peak.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Killing Commendatore—at this point of Haruki Murakami's writing career, he has developed a consistent style/story universe that his fanbase will recognize and feel nostalgic to dive into, at the same time adorned it with fully-realized new ideas. Aside from the aforementioned pacing issue. This is Murakami in his top form.
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
adventurous
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Vooral in deel 2 werd het me soms toch iets te langdradig. Daarbuiten een zeer goed boek, kan blijven interesseren ook al gebeurd er eigenlijk bijna niets en dat is toch meestal de afknapper voor mij.
The book was a bit too fatalistic for my liking. However, Murakami weaves together a curious tale that includes a fair bit of magical realism. I enjoy the perspectives he develops in this novel, even if the characters are emotionally muted or understated (something common to his novels).
It's a long read, and I'm still not sure if it delivered as promised, based on the effort demanded of the reader. It's unclear what I gained or learned from reading Killing Commendatore. Nonetheless, I don't regret reading it. I merely wish it struck a more personal chord with me.
It's a long read, and I'm still not sure if it delivered as promised, based on the effort demanded of the reader. It's unclear what I gained or learned from reading Killing Commendatore. Nonetheless, I don't regret reading it. I merely wish it struck a more personal chord with me.
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced