Reviews

Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

Only show reviews with written explanations

nill's review against another edition

2.0

[2.5/5 STARS] I'm surprised by how much I've grown to dislike a 15-year-old, something I never expected, but here we are…

I really like the eerie aura the book had and the writing style. Also, the book having two different points of view, each with a distinct style, were refreshing. But sadly, this was it. I didn’t really like the characters, nor I resonated with them. Although I pretty much liked Crow, Nakata and Sakura, and Oshima & Hoshino a little bit, the others didn’t really mean anything to me. Not to mention the objectifying women, the terrible representation of feminism

Spoiler

and the r.pe.

The prophecy was also out of pocket. If you ask me whether I'd consider picking up another Murakami book in the future, my response would be a definite no. Regrettably, I couldn’t like the book at all. Nonetheless, it did manage to satisfy my curiosity about Murakami and his pen.

Plus I've made a promise to myself to never complete long books I don't enjoy ever again.

ahalsnad's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Each character is interesting and complexly wonderful. The characters build throughout their journey for the better, striving for better clarity. The characters I was particularly interested in were Nakata, Hoshino, Oshima, and Kafka, in that order. Most of the concepts are abstract, and Murakami does not offer any explanation as to why/how. I guess that is the beauty of the book; it gives one the freedom to imagine, question, and confuse oneself. It contains philosophy, mythology, art, music & books, gives every character a depth that I kept hanging on to know more. But, there was always disappointment waiting every time I thought 'Ah! now I will get the answer'.
The journey was wonderful, even though it was without definitive ending/explanations. After all, that is how life is, isn't it?

sarasguriro123's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious relaxing sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

peurrouge's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-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

4.5

katherinejayne's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.0

My rating may change after discussing this at bookclub and had a chance to think about the book more deeply, but overall I did enjoy it.

The story was interesting, if at times a little meandering. I was desperate to understand how all the paths entwined and didn’t eel silly satisfied with that.

Some of the references to other books/music felt a little over my head, so if there was some symbolism to them it was somewhat lost on me.

Kafka was probably the least intriguing or likeable character for me. The others felt rounded and believable (despite the unbelievable things happening around them.)

As I said, I’m a bit unsure of what this book is and I’m sure the bookclub discussions will deepen my understanding.