A review by mrtvavrana
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

challenging dark fast-paced

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

5.0

 

I feel like I say this a lot in my reviews, but this book is a journey. And at the end of it, you will be speechless and disgusted and horrified and shocked, but also disgusted.

Natsuki and her cousin Yuu are not like other children. You see, they are not human. Natsuki is a witch, and Yuu is an alien. They spend their summers together in the Nagano mountains, hoping a spaceship will come and take them home.

One summer, something terrible happens, and they make a pact: survive at all costs.

After long years of not seeing each other, Natsuki and her husband return to the family home in the mountains, where Yuu now lives. But will he remember the promises they made as children?

The novel starts off very innocent (and I'd say even quite relatable), but things get pretty weird pretty fast. I was definitely unprepared for what was coming for me. I did really love the pace and the inevitable descent into madness, though.

Earthlings is kind of like a car crash: you know what is coming, you know it will be terrible and very traumatising, but you can't stop it, and you're unable to look away.

The characters were all quite likeable at first. I could really relate to Natsuki during her childhood – I saw myself in her loneliness and otherness. Up until the last minute, I was hoping that she would get a happy ending, as she really deserved it. Unfortunately, Murata had a completely unique plan for the girl.

I appreciate how realistic she was as a character. Her experiences and reactions too. I think that is why I loved her so much.

The story was pretty consistent up towards the very last chapter; that is when and where everything goes very bad, very, very fast. I do not think you would be prepared even if you checked the trigger warnings or looked for spoilers. Even with the whole book spoiled, I think you would be really shocked by how truly disturbing the end is.

All that being said, this book was incredible. It's definitely not for everyone, mostly because of how extreme and graphic and depressing it is at times. But it's worth a shot if you are in the mood to get traumatised a little.