A review by whatsmomreading
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Natsuki has always felt like the odd one out within her family and finds comfort in telling herself that she is in fact from another planet, waiting for her real family to come collect her. She waits for summers spent at her grandmothers house where her cousin Yuu shares in these same beliefs and they wait together to be rescued. Pressures to grow up, marry, have children fall upon Natsuki as she grows and we slowly watch her unravel.

I truly had no idea what to expect heading into this book and it really took me for a ride! After about 40/50 pages I knew I needed to see where it went so I finished it in one sitting. Without giving too much away, we really see how the mental/physical abuse Natsuki faces at home and the abuse she endures at school plays a role in her receding from society. Her attempts to play along are questioned by those around her and the pressure never ends. I felt like this was such an interesting portrayal of the roles we’re expecting to fulfill in society and what happens if we decide to go against the norm.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings