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grace_tg'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? No
4.75
Brilliant plot, with so many ties, and under-links, and layers. The characters are all described and portrayed with such detail even when scrutinizing detail is absent. The different voices and line of thought are also very nicely put, aiding with the coherence rather than hindering it.
You get really immersed in that world. A book worth reading.
The only reasons I am not giving it a 5, are because at moments the pace was a bit too slow for me, and perhaps a bit tiring (but those moments were truly rare) and because I am left with many questions... Which has its magic, I must admit, but also has me icky for the answers.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
Minor: Murder
kailey_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Moderate: Murder, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, and Torture
spiralingoaks's review
- 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? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Sexual violence and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Murder
katue77's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Moderate: Rape and Murder
isaospina'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? Yes
3.25
It took me a while, the beginning is tough, Murakami female characters are... Sexist at best but once you go through the first book you learn to swallow it.
The second book was my favorite, it's where the plot thickens and the entire cult-murder deal is right down my alley. It's also the book that took me less time to read as I didn't have to deal with countless descriptions of boobs.
Third book was Ok, I guess. It did feel like Aomame's character took some steps backwards. But the ending made me smile, so I'll give it that.
Not gonna lie, s my first Murakami read I don't feel excited for more, nor feel the need to blacklist him from authors I read or will read. Still this book is a little over the place, with too much repetition and plot holes, also sexism and flat as tortilla female characters. If you can power through that, it's an entertaining read.
I know he doesn't get better with female characters but I believe there must be better books that give him the reputation he has, this one isn't one of them.
Graphic: Death, Murder, Rape, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Suicide attempt, and Torture
pedroelizabeth's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Medical content, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Death, Drug use, and Sexual content
ihoneymustard's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content and Murder
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Religious bigotry, Child abuse, Rape, Torture, Pedophilia, and Sexual violence
frosted_croissant's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Adult/minor relationship, Physical abuse, Murder, Kidnapping, and Suicide
sumaiyaa's review against another edition
As soon as I reached around 100 pages, I knew this was not for me. Too much sex scenes, sexualizing women (sometimes men), mentions weird kinks which got absolutely no connection with the main plot. Halfway through the book the description got so repetitive and boring. MCs thoughts were overly emphasized. The plot kept stretching like rubber band, then suddenly snapped and hit my face. I realized I cannot do this to myself anymore.
Another thing is the characters. Extremely dry and unlovable. Sure, sad thoughts and imaginations are inevitable but ever heard of "normal" thinking? I personally could not see any character development, just two MCs being carried on with the flow. No self-will or self-esteem. I also could not find any "average" character until 800 pages at least. The nearest one would be Komatsu ig.
Although I must say, Murakami's imagination was impressive. Two moons and new world slowly taking over reality (idk what is the reality anymore tbh) inspirations from Famous authors like Goerge Orwell. But I think that was made too apparent. It seems like every character had read all classic books which was unbelievable for me. Personally I only know one person who'd read at least single one (except for pride and prejudice lol)
Reading 1q84 was like running on a round track. There was no prominent goal or conclusion. Or even Moral. I know for sure that if I had finished this book I'd ask myself "so what was the author's point?" Maybe there are readers who would enjoy based on the process only. But for me and I am sure for most of you guys, I need a lesson, maybe even a point learned, just like a hunter brings a catch back home.
Keep in mind that I overlooked cliches like "first love" of both MCs during primary school, who are still chasing that and it's been more than a decade. How can a girl grabbing your hand for 20s make you fall for her for 15 yrs (or more)?? Without even meeting once after that? She must have emitted some radiation or woteva into your brain when you guys made the eye contact. looks like I have ended up ranting about this as well 😂
So yeah, in conclusion I could not finish it. I don't normally DNF books but this was not it. It's my 2nd ever DNF. My standards aren't high, it's just that when bad (it's a general term ik) overrides goodness, I do not find it worth my time.
Thanks for reading guyz.
Graphic: Sexual content, Murder, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Infidelity, Adult/minor relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Dementia, and Domestic abuse
Too much sex and details.kibiiiariii's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide attempt, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Grief, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Acephobia/Arophobia, Dementia, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Pedophilia, Biphobia, Cancer, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Ableism, Child abuse, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Incest, Abandonment, Blood, Death of parent, Infertility, Abortion, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Stalking, Violence, and Toxic friendship