Scan barcode
guppyur's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed it. But I'm pretty sure I don't understand it.
katty24's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book that has lingered with me for around a week after reading and any book - an automatic 4.5 star book for me.
Kafka on the shore brought up so many thoughts about life and the absurdities that come with it and how we tackle the idea that is fate. Upon finishing the book, I'm regretful that I did not document my thoughts that arose after reading certain points in the book - as it's a book so hard to describe my feelings for in a simple paragraph, as I went on a journey as i read this.
Often times I was looking at the book with scrunched eyebrows; others I was smiling warmly at Mr Nakata's chapters and occasionally, I would sigh and place the book down, not understanding my thoughts about it at all.
I did think however that the moment I placed the book down and perused my way back to a re-read this would be an instant 5 stars - when I'm not trying to regroup and figure out the interconnection between the tales and why Nakata can talk to cats and Colonel Sanders is a pimp!
But upon reading further into the book, I began to adopt the main mantra's within the book of not dwelling on these absurdities, to place all feelings of reason and comprehension and to just enjoy the course of the book, not pondering over parts of it you don't understand and not lingering on the questionable actions the characters take. Trusting that the book will ride it's course and there will be a resolution - whether you understand it or not. Almost like the course of fate, bound to Kafka, a fate he fails to comprehend that he decides to escape from - which only circles back to him in way's some may deem worse than if he shouldered it.
I'm still not sure how I feel about the morally grey Kafka, my opinions in him are indeed grey - was he an interesting mc? I think he served his purpose at driving the story forward and connecting the slightly stranger side characters. I'm also unresolved on whether I enjoyed Murakami's writing style - on the surface it's blunt and simplistic and yet imbedded with resonating similes and imagery. Since this is my first Murakami book, I wasn't so sure at first on the initial story telling approach for Kafka but I truly adored it once Nakata's chapter's began and the book progressed. The magical surrealism somehow didn't seem so outlandish, fish falling from the sky did make my head quirk in curiosity but I can't say I was shocked, which goes to show how Murakami's writing draws you in and incases you in the world of the book - often with book's like this I feel left out, almost a spectator but not whilst reading this.
I never thought I'd have this much to say about this book, as although this is objectively an easy 4 stars, subjectively I felt slightly unsatisfied like something was missing, or I didn't get the gravity of all the bizarre occurrences. That's why I decided I would love to re-read, re-experience, document my thoughts and see what changes!
r4y's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
No doubt about it, the magical realism is exceptional. But so much gratuitous incest. It was difficult to read this as a woman.
paprika281's review
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
3.75
jhuma's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
The story revolves around two individuals – Kafka Tamura, a 15-year-old who runs away from his rich father and the life he is meant to lead if he lives with him; and Nakata, an intellectually impaired old man with the unique ability to talk to cats. As the story progresses, their lives become interconnected in a setting that is surreal and dreamlike, where fantasy and reality blend together, and where the boundaries between the two are often blurred.
I knew that this book would be unlike anything I had ever read before. I had heard the same about Murakami – from friends, celebrities, and strangers. They were right.
Writing this review is challenging because, to be completely honest, I am befuddled. My thoughts are in disarray. So, I will start easy and simple and hopefully try to keep it that way.
I loved the cast of characters – from the speaking cats of Nakano Ward to the wonderful Oshima. Each character that was introduced intrigued me and kept me glued to the book.
The world Murakami created in this book was another thing that kept me glued. Not unlike Marquez, Murakami also creates a setting for his characters that is mysterious and has a loose relationship between reality and fantasy. Its secrets are not completely privy to the reader even till the end. It can be challenging and frustrating at times to read a book like that, but Murakami does something preposterous in almost every chapter that makes me want to keep on reading. He held my attention throughout the book.
The plot is a hot but intriguing mess. I could easily identify that Murakami was a pantser because nobody, in a million years, can guess the many wild turns the story is going to take when they first start reading this book. However, I did wish that the book had at least a little more easily identifiable structure. If it did, I think I would have given it five stars.
It has a lot of wisdom in it, quite philosophical at times, and there are a lot of introspective reflections and discussions about nearly everything. It's not the type of book that you can read fast. It would be better enjoyed if it's read slowly, mulling over each word and sentence. There are a lot of metaphors too, and I am sure many of them went over my head.
If you enjoy thought-provoking books, you'll enjoy ‘Kafka on the Shore’.
I knew that this book would be unlike anything I had ever read before. I had heard the same about Murakami – from friends, celebrities, and strangers. They were right.
Writing this review is challenging because, to be completely honest, I am befuddled. My thoughts are in disarray. So, I will start easy and simple and hopefully try to keep it that way.
I loved the cast of characters – from the speaking cats of Nakano Ward to the wonderful Oshima. Each character that was introduced intrigued me and kept me glued to the book.
The world Murakami created in this book was another thing that kept me glued. Not unlike Marquez, Murakami also creates a setting for his characters that is mysterious and has a loose relationship between reality and fantasy. Its secrets are not completely privy to the reader even till the end. It can be challenging and frustrating at times to read a book like that, but Murakami does something preposterous in almost every chapter that makes me want to keep on reading. He held my attention throughout the book.
The plot is a hot but intriguing mess. I could easily identify that Murakami was a pantser because nobody, in a million years, can guess the many wild turns the story is going to take when they first start reading this book. However, I did wish that the book had at least a little more easily identifiable structure. If it did, I think I would have given it five stars.
It has a lot of wisdom in it, quite philosophical at times, and there are a lot of introspective reflections and discussions about nearly everything. It's not the type of book that you can read fast. It would be better enjoyed if it's read slowly, mulling over each word and sentence. There are a lot of metaphors too, and I am sure many of them went over my head.
If you enjoy thought-provoking books, you'll enjoy ‘Kafka on the Shore’.
alabhyajindal's review against another edition
1.0
a waste of time this book.
SPOILERS AHEAD
this book has enraged me with such a bullshit storyline. i hate motivational storeis which try to give a life lesson. this book goes beyond that, all the characters are philosophers full of crap.
i cannot explain how irritating the characters are. the description of the book at the back says magical things like “cats converse with people; fish tumble from the sky” but it does not give an idea about the characters.
let me tell you how it actually is:
Kafka Tamura: a dumb pervy teenager. a milf lover. fucks his mom and sister then blames it all on fate
Miss Saeki: nymphomaniac pedophile who fucks a 15 year old then blames it on the flow of things
Mr. Nakata: overall funny and humble guy. just doesn’t know how to converse with people (no one in this book does actually) the problem with him is that in the middle of a conversation, he calls the other person’s name before saying anthing every fucking time. all the characters do this but this motherfucker is on another lever.
I actually read a review of this book which said not to read it and that it’s a waste of time. I paid no heed and i regret it.
one of the worst book i read.
SPOILERS AHEAD
this book has enraged me with such a bullshit storyline. i hate motivational storeis which try to give a life lesson. this book goes beyond that, all the characters are philosophers full of crap.
i cannot explain how irritating the characters are. the description of the book at the back says magical things like “cats converse with people; fish tumble from the sky” but it does not give an idea about the characters.
let me tell you how it actually is:
Kafka Tamura: a dumb pervy teenager. a milf lover. fucks his mom and sister then blames it all on fate
Miss Saeki: nymphomaniac pedophile who fucks a 15 year old then blames it on the flow of things
Mr. Nakata: overall funny and humble guy. just doesn’t know how to converse with people (no one in this book does actually) the problem with him is that in the middle of a conversation, he calls the other person’s name before saying anthing every fucking time. all the characters do this but this motherfucker is on another lever.
I actually read a review of this book which said not to read it and that it’s a waste of time. I paid no heed and i regret it.
one of the worst book i read.
bookishnads's review against another edition
4.0
I meeean... It was brilliant of course, Murakami has such a unique voice and creative mind, I would give it five stars BUT I cannot get past the extremely flat, sexist and offensive depicitions of literally every female character in this book.
Too. Much. Fucking. Dick.
Too. Much. Fucking. Dick.