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A review by icedpinecones
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
How am I supposed to explain this book without myself sounding unhinged? This book is not a light read, it deals with some very heavy topics pertaining mostly to child abuse and child sexual abuse and then cannibalism in the latter half.
Murata is a sensational author who I adore, and she tackles the rules of society we've implemented and this book is no different. Similarly to convince store woman we're looking into the expectations of women and men on getting married, having kids and it's referred to as the 'factory' in this book. So the main themes is societal expectations, how trauma affects your mental state and what not but the book goes about it in a very unhinged fashion.
Our main character believes she is an alien, is in an incestuous relationship with her cousin Yuu & the first 80 pages of the book covers this depraved childhood of abuse and trauma. It's a very tough read, but also heartbreaking to see some of my own experiences reflected in her psyche.
The latter 160 pages of the book is her adulthood in her estranged marriage & reuniting with Yuu and exploring societal standards again. It's a very odd read.
I loved it, I love Sayakas work, but again this book is insane.
Murata is a sensational author who I adore, and she tackles the rules of society we've implemented and this book is no different. Similarly to convince store woman we're looking into the expectations of women and men on getting married, having kids and it's referred to as the 'factory' in this book. So the main themes is societal expectations, how trauma affects your mental state and what not but the book goes about it in a very unhinged fashion.
Our main character believes she is an alien, is in an incestuous relationship with her cousin Yuu & the first 80 pages of the book covers this depraved childhood of abuse and trauma. It's a very tough read, but also heartbreaking to see some of my own experiences reflected in her psyche.
The latter 160 pages of the book is her adulthood in her estranged marriage & reuniting with Yuu and exploring societal standards again. It's a very odd read.
I loved it, I love Sayakas work, but again this book is insane.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Cannibalism, Mental illness, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Rape