A review by holmartell
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

challenging dark tense medium-paced

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

4.25

Disturbing, challenging, fascinatingly grotesque, completely original, and absolutely scathing in its evaluation of the Japanese obsession with population growth and gender roles. This is a story world where women and neurodivergent people - anyone who doesn’t fit the mould, basically - are fair game to be torn to shreds. Fantastically written, gripping, and visceral. Will stay with me for a long time.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Pedophilia, Death, Gore, Incest, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Vomit, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Cannibalism, Misogyny, Murder, and Body horror

Moderate: Animal death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Alcohol, Confinement, and Suicidal thoughts

Pretty much the embodiment of a content warning, although the descriptions of violence and incest are the most graphic.