A review by lizhuhwhat
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

"It’s really hard to put into words things that are just a little bit not okay."

"Normality was contagious, and exposure to the infection was necessary to keep up with it."

"He let me speak my own language. Earthlings probably don’t realize it, but meeting someone like that is rare in life. That’s a miracle in itself."

"Survive, whatever it takes."

*Me, starting the book with no context*
"Aw, she thinks she's alien and talks to her stuffed hedgehog. I wonder why it's listed as horror - this should be fun and wacky!"

*Narrator*
"It was not fun or wacky."

Alienation, abuse and rejection of societal norms, taken to the extreme. This book was so much more intense that I anticipated. CHECK THOSE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING, Y'ALL!

That being said, it was very well written and my heart was just continuously breaking for a few of the characters. I appreciated the (extremely) harsh critique of society and how people are viewed simply as tools. A poignant, if a bit heavy-handed, reflection on continued abuse and alienation and the compounding effect they can have over the course of a life. Definitely one that will stick with me for a while.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings