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justinbaumann71's review
dark
mysterious
fast-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? No
2.75
Here’s the thing this is Bill there’s a Japanese cult, classic murder mystery style book and I know it was originally released in the late 80s but like men was this a slog to get through.
Additionally, I really feel like because this is a Japanese book that has been translated from English audience. I wish they were little footnotes that explain some of the cultural reasons for why the book is freezing things certain way. I asked a friend who is more familiar with Asian culture than I am and he was saying that the reason they just called the cities S-Town because they don’t need the whole city when they’re in writing and he had a better explanation for the night, but like a foot note explaining that would’ve been really cool, so that I could have a better sense of where I was in Japan and and fill in the blanks mentally.
I found the actual playing out of the events to be semi-boring because we just didn’t get enough time to feel invested with the characters either on the island or off island, and the reveal at the end regarding the motivation, was the only route they could possibly go, so I never felt overly connected and kind of just wanted to be done by the end of the book I don’t plan on getting the sequel.
Additionally, I really feel like because this is a Japanese book that has been translated from English audience. I wish they were little footnotes that explain some of the cultural reasons for why the book is freezing things certain way. I asked a friend who is more familiar with Asian culture than I am and he was saying that the reason they just called the cities S-Town because they don’t need the whole city when they’re in writing and he had a better explanation for the night, but like a foot note explaining that would’ve been really cool, so that I could have a better sense of where I was in Japan and and fill in the blanks mentally.
I found the actual playing out of the events to be semi-boring because we just didn’t get enough time to feel invested with the characters either on the island or off island, and the reveal at the end regarding the motivation, was the only route they could possibly go, so I never felt overly connected and kind of just wanted to be done by the end of the book I don’t plan on getting the sequel.
sofiamey's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.75
skylights's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
cookiehuggles's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't really like the reveal, it seemed a little too convenient like how could van go back and forth between the island and mainland that many times and was never once caught? seems a little unbelievable
janeaustentatious2's review
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
If you're looking for a quick and interesting mystery, this is a good bet. Quick read and interesting plot twists.
abhi_vijay94's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
garleighc's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
athornton_2197's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
getupkid10's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5