Reviews with content warning for Death - Kafka on the Shore

I always try to read articles and other people's theories for stuff like this since I can admit, things do go over my head sometimes while reading. I found a theory that honestly makes a lot of sense with the story and does help me appreciate the artistry (as well as why so many people like it); essentially it ties the "two halves" metaphor together with the experiences of the characters, it made some things click for me. (Here if you want to read it: https://www.reddit.com/r/murakami/comments/12mqgkn/analysis_and_theory_about_kafka_on_the_shore/)

but overall, it was a bit slow to get through for me. the few parts I highlighted were very meaningful composition of words I hadn't fathomed before, but I didn't really see what the fuss was about with the prose. if anything, the craft of the events of the story and the surrealism spoke more to me.

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epshcherbinina's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark 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? Yes

3.5

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thequiltyreader's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense 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? Yes

3.5

Having finished this book I don't quite know what to make of it. I think I enjoyed it, it certainly kept me reading. I found it slow but intriguing. I also however felt there was unnecessary overuse of violence and sexual content. I was wondering how it was all going to come together in the end but I felt I got to the end and had no idea what happened. I think I need some time to dwell on the book and what I think of it.

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corpsepose's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective

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

Ambiwalentna w odbiorze. Lekka, ale nie prosta. Po przeczytaniu mam do niej stosunek "środkowy", ale w żadnym razie nie neutralny, może nawet nieco bardziej na minus. Na pewno do ponownego odwiedzenia, być może więcej niż raz.

Mitologizacja nie zatrzymuje się na przepowiedni, być może stąd trudna w ocenie przez pryzmat zwykłego, "dzisiejszego" zestawu norm i wartości.

Historia, zdaje mi się, o pudełkach, drzwiach i ramkach, a także o połowach rzeczy, co zgrabnie podsumowują cytat przytoczony na okładce i wspomnienie o "Uczcie" Platona.

Z prostszych obserwacji: Murakami nie umie pisać kobiet, za to ciekawa transreprezentacja. Różnice kulturowe mogą dawać się we znaki czytelnikowi.

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