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epeolatrist's review against another edition
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Confinement, and Animal death
Moderate: Violence and Physical abuse
Minor: Death, Death of parent, and Child abuse
emquartz15's review against another edition
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!
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Animal death, and Death
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!lindseyhall44's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
4.0
This is quite possibly the strangest short story I have ever read…but I loved every minute of it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Death, Confinement, and Torture
magicofservice's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.75
This book is so sad but such a good read. It seems to be intended for like middle grade but it is a great read for kids and adults alike.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Kidnapping
kirame's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Confinement
Moderate: Animal death, Death, and Violence
Minor: Body horror
kedepokan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Blood
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Death of parent, Grief, and Death
lyrapollock's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Animal cruelty, Death, Kidnapping, and Violence
imrereads's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
This is such a strange story. What's real? What's a dream? Does it matter? Murakami has a way of writing that lets me accept all these bizarre moments without question.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Death, Kidnapping, and Animal death
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