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namrata_jain's review against another edition
5.0
First book in which I couldn't know/guess what would happen in the next page. What a writer! The story itself is quite simple, but it's so comprehensive and beautiful. I really like the way David Mitchell writes. He knows best how to make a book hard to put down.
asourceoffiction's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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
3.0
I so wanted to love this book. And there was a lot about it that kept me reading, albeit slowly. The setting is amazing and Mitchell is a brilliant writer. But it moves at a glacial pace, and I just didn't feel the connection to the story that I hoped I would.
In fact, the middle section has the best plot and pacing, and annoyingly it feels like the shortest part of the book. Outside of that there is so much focus on diplomatic Dutch-Japanese relations and trade - apart from one exciting encounter with the British - and although it wasn't boring, it just didn't engage me.
I'm glad I finished it, but I can't say I loved it. There are dozens of characters to remember and I only cared about a handful of them. The title is odd, in that Jacob barely participates in about half of the book. And then it feels like the whole thing has to rush to bring his part to an end. It's a little unsatisfying, and didn't have enough of Orito's story. A good book for me, but not a great one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Racism, Racial slurs, Child death, Violence, and Slavery
zeusolympius's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
henry_edwards1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.25
katiejim's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
medium-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
4.0
I read this book a long time ago and remembered loving it. I have just reread it and love it all over again. It's messy and gross and unapologetic - and also contains some truly beautiful parts.
preston_gubbals's review against another edition
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
oxnard_montalvo's review against another edition
This was one of those books I found very little fault with. Any part that misfired and struggled along were redeemed by the characters; they're compelling, and lifelike. Jacob is idiosyncratic but without being twee and for all his morality there is a darker side to him that peeks out now and again- it keeps him less like a character and more like a person.
The writing is lucid and effortless, the story itself heartbreaking, and occasionally farcical and terrifying. An odd mix maybe, but all very believable. One of the best books I've read.
The writing is lucid and effortless, the story itself heartbreaking, and occasionally farcical and terrifying. An odd mix maybe, but all very believable. One of the best books I've read.
blue_footed_booby's review against another edition
3.0
I am so close to giving this book four stars. I really enjoyed the narrative, but sometimes the writing was too apparent-- know what I mean? It distanced me from the story occasionally.