Reviews

Life Ceremony by Sayaka Murata

snl07002's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

scy11a's review against another edition

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challenging lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

bhargypoo's review against another edition

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funny reflective medium-paced

4.0

i really loved the stories that connected to each other ~ they all did in some ways or others but in particular the story of the two women in two alternate universes; one in which she got married and one where they lived together. or the life ceremony ~ i believe it; naked in the ocean, i can only imagine another warm body is all one would have left to desire.

abbyrose237's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

If you want to read short stories about weird and/or taboo topics, read this book!

jlwalter93's review against another edition

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

3.5

asyaheheh's review against another edition

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dark funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.5

it’s enjoyable but it’s weird shshhs maybe bcs it’s my first book from sayaka murata but yeah can’t wait to read and get used to her books

riotgl's review against another edition

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mysterious

4.0

phoenix2's review against another edition

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2.0

Sayaka Murata is known for her social criticism and this anthology of short stories sure stretches the boundaries of social standards. It makes the reader uncomfortable, and, unfortunately, not only because it makes you think if you own your own place in our society, or even a different one, but also because sometimes Murata overdoes it by provoking the reader way too much. And, to be honest, some of the stories were not as enjoyable as others, or were too short. But others were better constructed, giving a lot of food for thought. As for the writing, it is simple, but it does the job, descriptive and with sharp edges.

Big Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advanced Copy

jasminrain's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This is easily one of the strangest books I've read in my life. The content of the stories and where they are heading is completely unexpected and their content varies from reflective pieces to some of the most bizarre literature I have come across. There are absolutely amazing stories that break the boundaries of imagination, but also quite a few stories that just make you go "meh". I enjoyed parts of it but I don't think I'll return to the author. 
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worldroamer's review

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challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0