Reviews

Lizard by Banana Yoshimoto

kasss's review against another edition

2.5

None of these stories were very interesting to me. I think the two I enjoyed most were Dreaming of Kimchee and A Strange Tale from Down by the River, but eh.

(I listened to the audiobook and Emily Woo Zeller as narrator made my experience of the book at least somewhat pleasant.)

uruseibaka's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-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

4.0

samleons's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

harrisharrisharris's review against another edition

5.0

it is hard to explain the weight and lightness of these stories. they feel like healing.

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

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