A review by unclekayvon
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

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

5.0

What can I say about this book other than “holy s*!t.” Earthlings is a wild and disturbing ride, but well worth it if you can stomach it. Definitely look up the trigger warnings before reading. I have seen Earthlings described as an “extreme horror,” which I don’t agree with. The disturbing parts are not cheap edge for shock value. They add to the plot, which sucks you in like passing a gruesome car crash; you cannot help but look. Basically, I started this book. Stopped soon after I got to “the scene” because it was too much, but then couldn’t stop wondering about where the plot was going to go and subsequently came back to it. Boy, am glad I did because this book is really well written with great pacing and characters that you can’t help but wonder “what the f#€k is this person’s deal?” My favorite part is how masterfully Murata captures the ways abuse makes you feel broken and how alienation and the pressure to conform suffocate you and can slowly kill your soul. This books is a must read for anyone who has felt like an alien on this earth, assuming you’re ok with the issues with content matter of course. 

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