Reviews tagging 'Animal death'

The Factory by Hiroko Oyamada

6 reviews

sarah984's review

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

3.0

Somehow despite the short length, this book felt just a bit too long to me - when it hit it was incisive and really made me think, but other parts felt a little pointless. Overall good if you want to be depressed about your job.
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moonyreadsbystarlight's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Time and reality melt at different points in this, just as familiar conventions blend into the bizarre. Oyamada uses the weird and uncanny to reveal very real elements of modern corporate culture and capitalism. It was very strange and captivating. I'm definitely interested to read more from this author. 
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thewordsdevourer's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

1.5

this is a strange lil book thats honestly not too bad...if one isnt looking for a story w/ some semblance of plot, character development or clear timelines. though the msg and themes are quite clear, it's undeniable that the factory still leaves quite a bit to be desired. the content def serves to reiterate the novel's msg - and it's a relevant one - but the execution imo couldve been handled better or w/ more finesse.
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demo's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective 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

4.75

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savvylit's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

In The Factory, Hiroko Oyamada has created a deeply unsettling example of workplace horror. Featuring a nonlinear narrative and elements of magical realism, this novella builds a pervasive sense of dread and confusion. Ultimately, Oyamada has produced a capitalist critique that is both authentic and surreal.

Almost from their first days on the job, each character incrementally loses their agency until the factory becomes their whole life. While some may find this book boring - as it does include lengthy descriptions of workplace routines - I loved it. The depictions of rote work are what make this novella pack such a large punch in a small amount of space. The drudgery mirrors the true nature of factory work; it is repetitive, demeaning, and seemingly pointless.
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sherbertwells's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Three employees at a sprawling, anonymous factory lose track of their purpose and, eventually, their humanity. While Oyamada provides a suitably soul-crushing, morbid setting, the brevity of her work prevents it from unleashing its full horrific power.

“As I opened the basement-level door, I thought I could smell birds” (3)
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