Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - The Strange Library

Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami

9 reviews

zazreads's review against another edition

dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No

4.75

What a journey! If you read this be sure to pick up an illustrated copy (are all publications illustratated?). The visuals and layout of the story work hand in hand with the writing, creating an immersive tale. The art and the cover are absolutely brilliant!

This story would have completely taken me in (and terrified me) if I had read it as a child. The book format makes it all so real. I hope we get to see more books of this nature as publishing evolves.

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liyaeshetu's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

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epeolatrist's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

What a unique little book. Murakami is my best friend's favorite author and she has been encouraging me to read his work for years now. The Strange Library was my first Murakami experience. I found it while browsing my own local strange library and was attracted to the short length and interesting accompanying photographs/illustrations. I figured that a great gateway to Murakami could be a short piece that would introduce me to his work and allow me to test the waters.

While I do feel like I experienced the story as part of a confusing and erratic fever dream, I really did enjoy the writing. I am excited to read more of Murakami's work after trying this little story.

*PS: I work in a library and I can confirm that every branch has a basement in which an old man looking to eat your brains lives.

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emquartz15's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I just stumbled across this book (ironically as a library employee, which amused me) and HAD to read it. The direct prose and dark fantastical elements completely enraptured me, second to the actual design of the novella - it has flaps to start and striking art throughout, and the prose actually starts on the cover. What an experience. I definitely recommend this if you're looking for a short book to enjoy in one sitting. Bonus points if you go find it on the shelf of your local library!

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imlfox's review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

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madisone's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book confused me so much, but I’ll be damned if I don’t give it at least 4 stars. I’m going to have to reread this soon to really understand the symbolism, but the first time around it’s a quick, confusing, and somehow quite enjoyable read.

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