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A review by cwiita
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
challenging
dark
medium-paced
4.0
I haven’t finished a book this quickly in a long time. That isn’t to say that I loved it more than anything, only that it’s sort of like watching a car crash.
The writing is incredibly engaging and Murata’s social commentary is a big part of what makes this unsettling piece so readable. In spite of everything, she does a remarkable job of making Natsuki relatable, at least to those of us who also grew up socially isolated and feeling as though we had to put on an act just to continue surviving.
To me, this reads as a shocking commentary on childhood trauma, abuse, sexual assault, and the indigestible nature of human life for those of us who sometimes feel “other”. Our minds will go to the furthest extent to protect us from pain, and Murata is simply extrapolating on this idea in the most uncomfortable ways possible.
Strange and genius and worth the quick read. I feel ill.
The writing is incredibly engaging and Murata’s social commentary is a big part of what makes this unsettling piece so readable. In spite of everything, she does a remarkable job of making Natsuki relatable, at least to those of us who also grew up socially isolated and feeling as though we had to put on an act just to continue surviving.
To me, this reads as a shocking commentary on childhood trauma, abuse, sexual assault, and the indigestible nature of human life for those of us who sometimes feel “other”. Our minds will go to the furthest extent to protect us from pain, and Murata is simply extrapolating on this idea in the most uncomfortable ways possible.
Strange and genius and worth the quick read. I feel ill.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Grief, Cannibalism, Suicide attempt, and Murder