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steakumm_jakeumm's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
_jigyasa_'s review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
alidacap's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
meese_'s review against another edition
3.0
The last couple chapters brought me back for this one. It would seem that Murakami has a running theme of abstract endings that require a bit of contemplation. I'm not sure what to exactly think of this yet, it was much shorter than I expected considering what its about.
I expected some grand story upon Sumires disappearance, but nothing. In a way it feels somewhat fitting. This to me feels like a story about the feeling of loss, loneliness, and in particular, unrequited love.
What I feel is being conveyed here is that when experiencing unrequited love, you may wish for some grand story to accompany it, to provide you with some comfort in a long, drawn out tale. In reality you experience a rather short story, with an uncertain and abrupt ending. It's something you must learn to deal with and overcome.
Again this is my interpretation and quite possibly outlandish and irrelevant rambling, but I can confidently say I've walked away with an interesting interpretation of this book.
I expected some grand story upon Sumires disappearance, but nothing. In a way it feels somewhat fitting. This to me feels like a story about the feeling of loss, loneliness, and in particular, unrequited love.
What I feel is being conveyed here is that when experiencing unrequited love, you may wish for some grand story to accompany it, to provide you with some comfort in a long, drawn out tale. In reality you experience a rather short story, with an uncertain and abrupt ending. It's something you must learn to deal with and overcome.
Again this is my interpretation and quite possibly outlandish and irrelevant rambling, but I can confidently say I've walked away with an interesting interpretation of this book.
xtie's review against another edition
3.0
My first Murakami - I devoured it - and was ultimately gripped. However, the way he writes about Sumire as if her being gay is some unfortunate coincidence rubbed me the wrong way, and ultimately the biggest shortcoming. Enough with cishet men and their fantasies - and unfortunately, too much of this novel reads like one. Still, I can’t help but give it a 3.5 rounded up…!
teresaacav's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Un triangolo amoroso, situazioni lasciate in sospeso, segreti, solitudine e un realismo magico questi sono i principali temi del libro. Una lettura veloce e accattivante, profonda e negli ultimi capitoli tendente al surreale che si chiude con un finale da interpretare
aces122's review against another edition
4.0
It’s an ok murakami novel. I enjoyed it but I understand its flaws. It’s a quick read.
livrawds's review against another edition
5.0
Ah! Murakami you did it again! Great writing convulsing and dark melodramatic plot kept me wanting more each page
oftboolt's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0