Reviews

Scattered All Over the Earth by Yōko Tawada

avispa's review against another edition

challenging hopeful mysterious reflective fast-paced

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

3.5

stegobookosaurus's review against another edition

hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I read this one while travelling which gave it an extra jolt of excitement.

But I found myself struggling to see the point in this one. I understand the message but I couldn't understand why the characters connected into a group.

The ending was also sudden. We  realised the goal wasn't able to be achieved and then BOOM the end.

But I enjoyed all the Moomin mentions.

esterbolmenas's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0

I really love the concept of this book, especially with all the linguistically plot twists, such as with Susano. Calming, intriguing, yet slow and comforting. What a chaotic ending in comparison though? But definitely good writing, and interesting characters. Love the multiple POV.

britrujillo's review

funny inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

averycm4's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

immediateforgivenessineurydice's review against another edition

funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

3.75

meowmediareads's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad slow-paced

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

3.75

jenmarta's review

funny reflective slow-paced

3.0

xtie's review

4.0

This is the novel that made Yoko Tawada my favourite author - gorgeous writing, incredible handling and exploration of translation, meaning making, home, and lots of topical undercurrents from climate catastrophe, the refugee crisis, beautifully brought together right here!

I however can’t let the transphobic treatment of Akash slide, and it is a bit insidious for how much the book is meant to be about authenticity / identity / language

joycegerhardt's review against another edition

DNF’d at page 132. When they brought Anders Breivik in the mix in such a loose way, I couldn’t take it anymore. I wanted to keep going because there were plenty of pretty lines I underlined. But this was too much.