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sabstract's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A really well written slow burn mystery if i do say so myself with an incredible intricate plot spanning over 20 years, everything and everyone was weaved together in such a mind blowing way. there were points that got me gasping in shock and disgust and it was just a really emotional and sad story.
Considering the book spans over 20 years do expect a large host of characters, many of them were unlikeable and gave me a sense of unease which was great in the context of a gritty mystery crime thriller novel. so do bear that in mind if it concerns you!
Most readers would probably have no trouble guessing the ‘who’ in the criminal case as it was definitely alluded to throughout the book and was not a total mystery but i think it’s worth reading especially if you enjoy understanding other aspects of criminal cases like the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’.
Would have given it a 5 if it wasn’t so long, got impatient and even bored at times as there were plot points that were just unnecessarily detailed and had no real bearing on the main storyline… it definitely took me much longer to get through the book than i expected but i thoroughly enjoyed it nevertheless! definitely recommend if you are on a break or holiday and need a good long crime escape.
!! also heed the trigger warnings !!
!! also heed the trigger warnings !!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Murder, and Violence
jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Keigo Higashino is one of the best mystery writers around. This book was very long and convoluted, with multiple characters, yet it never lagged. The main characters are fleshed out, complex people who are deeply damaged from traumatic childhood experiences.
The book is told over a period of twenty years with each chapter moving the plot along a couple of years or so. What I especially liked was the detailed descriptions of computers and related technology as an chronological indicator. The book begins in 1973, and computers - the kind with the software on cassette tapes - and video games begin showing up several chapters later. By the end we've gotten to fancier computers we know we're in the 1990s.
If you're looking for an intelligent, absorbing, well-written tale, this book is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Caveat: If you're not too good with multisyllabic names and your memory isn't top notch, it helps to read on a Kindle or tablet so you can keep looking up people (whom you should certainly know already!)
The book is told over a period of twenty years with each chapter moving the plot along a couple of years or so. What I especially liked was the detailed descriptions of computers and related technology as an chronological indicator. The book begins in 1973, and computers - the kind with the software on cassette tapes - and video games begin showing up several chapters later. By the end we've gotten to fancier computers we know we're in the 1990s.
If you're looking for an intelligent, absorbing, well-written tale, this book is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Caveat: If you're not too good with multisyllabic names and your memory isn't top notch, it helps to read on a Kindle or tablet so you can keep looking up people (whom you should certainly know already!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Suicide, and Sexual assault
elevatot's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
6/4/2021 - just finished the audiobook version read by David Shih.
Neglected to give this book a star rating because I haven't yet parsed through everything I want to process. That said, I'm inclined to give it at least 4.75/5 stars for enjoyment. Time will tell whether that rating will stand the tests of time, or I need to recalibrate my standards. (I've only just reentered the literary realm, the tropes of legal procedurals past, my sole guides.)
Neglected to give this book a star rating because I haven't yet parsed through everything I want to process. That said, I'm inclined to give it at least 4.75/5 stars for enjoyment. Time will tell whether that rating will stand the tests of time, or I need to recalibrate my standards. (I've only just reentered the literary realm, the tropes of legal procedurals past, my sole guides.)
- Audio - I hope he narrates all the Japanese novels I listen to. I feel like a snob, but I really appreciate his pronunciation of all the characters and places. If you're not too familiar with Japanese it might be a bit difficult to keep details straight via audio alone.
2022.09.09 - 4/5 for enjoyment
Is depicting the current state of things w/o negative consequences endorsing it? Is it enough to accurately characterize an issue w/o condemning it as such? Do victims need to be portrayed as more than victims?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death, Murder, Sexism, Sexual assault, Rape, Domestic abuse, Kidnapping, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Stalking, Suicide, and Violence
Minor: Bullying, Abortion, Car accident, Miscarriage, Blood, Pregnancy, and Trafficking
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