Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - 1Q84

The plot kept me going but this really isn't for everyone. The sex stuff is weird in a way that only detracts from the reading experience. It's not my favorite Murakami.

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pedroelizabeth's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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ihoneymustard's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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bluemings's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

It was really hard to give this book a rating. On one hand, the monotonous 925 pages felt like forever, new questions popping up all the time with hardly any answers, demanding most of my time and my brainpower. Yet, after turning the last page, I felt like I had achieved great triumph, everything slightly coming together. But overall, this book was great. Sure, there were probably 300 pages of excess description, but that's part of the reason why this book felt so great: Murakami's intimate descriptions of the small moments of Tengo and Aomame's lives made the story jump off the pages, and really displayed reality: small, simple actions, like making dinner or listening to music. I will say, the ending felt a bit lackluster, and there were a million different plot threads which were left unresolved, but perhaps the ambiguity of the end gave light to the novel as a whole, to portray the beautiful sea of unknown which we all happen to be sailing in.

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sumaiyaa's review against another edition

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I started it off pretty excited, and it was the most expensive book I had brought for myself.
As soon as I reached around 100 pages, I knew this was not for me. Too much sex scenes, sexualizing women (sometimes men), mentions weird kinks which got absolutely no connection with the main plot. Halfway through the book the description got so repetitive and boring. MCs thoughts were overly emphasized. The plot kept stretching like rubber band, then suddenly snapped and hit my face. I realized I cannot do this to myself anymore.
Another thing is the characters. Extremely dry and unlovable. Sure, sad thoughts and imaginations are inevitable but ever heard of "normal" thinking? I personally could not see any character development, just two MCs being carried on with the flow. No self-will or self-esteem. I also could not find any "average" character until 800 pages at least. The nearest one would be Komatsu ig.
Although I must say, Murakami's imagination was impressive. Two moons and new world slowly taking over reality (idk what is the reality anymore tbh) inspirations from Famous authors like Goerge Orwell. But I think that was made too apparent. It seems like every character had read all classic books which was unbelievable for me. Personally I only know one person who'd read at least single one (except for pride and prejudice lol)
Reading 1q84 was like running on a round track. There was no prominent goal or conclusion. Or even Moral. I know for sure that if I had finished this book I'd ask myself "so what was the author's point?" Maybe there are readers who would enjoy based on the process only. But for me and I am sure for most of you guys, I need a lesson, maybe even a point learned, just like a hunter brings a catch back home.
Keep in mind that I overlooked cliches like "first love" of both MCs during primary school, who are still chasing that and it's been more than a decade. How can a girl grabbing your hand for 20s make you fall for her for 15 yrs (or more)?? Without even meeting once after that? She must have emitted some radiation or woteva into your brain when you guys made the eye contact. looks like I have ended up ranting about this as well 😂
So yeah, in conclusion I could not finish it. I don't normally DNF books but this was not it. It's my 2nd ever DNF. My standards aren't high, it's just that when bad (it's a general term ik) overrides goodness, I do not find it worth my time.
Thanks for reading guyz.

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kibiiiariii's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense slow-paced

3.0

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david_prete's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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