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A review by frozenheartv
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
4.25 stars
Wow wow... Writing this review is pretty challenging for me because i don't know at some points how i should feel after reading the ending.
I'm going to start with the fact that the author has a profounding talent in building up the story, it hooks me from start to end and i couldn't stop reading it until almost 4am. It's heartbreaking to read, very traumatizing in some parts, very deep story that make me think a lot afterward but also horrific to read sometimes. I think the horrifying parts are there for a reason. At first, after reading the ending, i was like "wtf", it kinda ruin the whole book for me but then after thinking further, i think it was a spectacular ending. The ending has to be there for this story to mark a space in your heart.
I adore Convenience Store Woman from this author. My take is that Earthlings is kinda like Convenience Store Woman sequel but not really a sequel. Convenience Store Woman has very similar concept but stops in a middle way. Earthlings continues form there with different characters and story but delves deeper into the psyche and the way the society can push people over the limit.
All in all, i think it's a terrific book but i have to give it a little bit lower score than CSW because for me Earthlings' messages are delivered a bit less powerful compare to the other book. Less powerful in a sense that CSW story is more condense and easier to absorb, therefore, it feels more powerful while Earthlings messages are delivered too strong that it makes me sick physically
Wow wow... Writing this review is pretty challenging for me because i don't know at some points how i should feel after reading the ending.
I'm going to start with the fact that the author has a profounding talent in building up the story, it hooks me from start to end and i couldn't stop reading it until almost 4am. It's heartbreaking to read, very traumatizing in some parts, very deep story that make me think a lot afterward but also horrific to read sometimes. I think the horrifying parts are there for a reason. At first, after reading the ending, i was like "wtf", it kinda ruin the whole book for me but then after thinking further, i think it was a spectacular ending. The ending has to be there for this story to mark a space in your heart.
I adore Convenience Store Woman from this author. My take is that Earthlings is kinda like Convenience Store Woman sequel but not really a sequel. Convenience Store Woman has very similar concept but stops in a middle way. Earthlings continues form there with different characters and story but delves deeper into the psyche and the way the society can push people over the limit.
All in all, i think it's a terrific book but i have to give it a little bit lower score than CSW because for me Earthlings' messages are delivered a bit less powerful compare to the other book. Less powerful in a sense that CSW story is more condense and easier to absorb, therefore, it feels more powerful while Earthlings messages are delivered too strong that it makes me sick physically
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Gore, Incest, Mental illness, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Suicide attempt, and Bullying