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sinfell's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have read several of Murakami’s stories, but I feel his more realistic works have their own sort of surrealism to it that any fantastical plot points feels completely unnecessary.
Plus Midori is in this book, so that should be reason enough to give it 5 stars.
Graphic: Death, Grief, Self harm, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Suicidal thoughts
sophiamarkova04's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Minor: Suicide attempt and Sexism
bella613's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I didn't love this book the way I loved Killing Commendatore. It was not quite what I expected, especially after hearing it was this book that exploded Murakami into fame. But I did connect with it. As it is with Murakami, there are some uncomfortable sections of the book. But there are some uncomfortable moments in life, so... it's sort of beautiful that he captures it so intensely?
I found myself most drawn to Naoko in this story. Midori as a character is someone I would probably not enjoy spending time with in real life, but added to the story in a mostly positive way. I didn't like Toru much in the same way that one might not like oneself. Listening from his pov felt like looking back on one's own life and seeing all the flaws and mistakes and self-centered choices that were made. But he was very real. That's one thing I also love about Murakami: all of his characters feel undeniably real.
My favorite part of the book was probably the long letter describing the sanatorium and the following visit to the sanatorium.
Graphic: Grief, Sexual harassment, Suicide, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Rape, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Mental illness, and Death of parent
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
erilcastro's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The beginning of the book was the hardest part of the read, it was a bump I had to get over then finally 20 pages in I was really enjoying myself. The book follows the main character as he develops friendships and relationships, which is my favorite parts of books because this drives growth. Nothing in the writing is especially punchy, the wit and humor is subtle but delightful. If this book where an experience it would be like watching people at the park on a warm spring day with a soft wind when suddenly a large cloud rolls over and it gets cold, so it’s time to go or else you’ll stay cold.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Suicide
kevfroe's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Suicide
giulidrago's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Sexual content, Mental illness, and Suicide
yeahnaar's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Pedophilia, and Suicide
esv_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicide, Adult/minor relationship, Terminal illness, Mental illness, and Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Infidelity, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Rape, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Car accident, Chronic illness, and Sexism
ceh517's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Death of parent, Sexual content, Child death, Mental illness, Sexual assault, and Suicide
Moderate: Alcoholism and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Miscarriage
countdraculahimself's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Grief, Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Sexual assault, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual content, Suicide, Death, and Cancer
disgusting