Scan barcode
A review by goblinhearted
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
3.5
After reading Convenience Store Woman, Earthlings is my second encounter with Murata’s storytelling. This novel has a reputation for being especially strange, and while I can’t disagree, I wouldn’t say it’s the weirdest book I’ve ever read.
Thematically, Earthlings feels like a darker, more unsettling sibling to Convenience Store Woman. Once again, the protagonist defies societal expectations by rejecting the traditional path of career and family, opting for an unconventional marriage to avoid questions and pressure from loved ones. This time, however, these choices are framed as a response to deep-rooted childhood trauma, adding a more disturbing layer to the narrative.
I appreciated these themes, as they resonate with topics I enjoy exploring in books. Murata’s examination of societal norms and the alienation of those who don't conform is compelling and relatable.
That said, the ending veers into wild, unhinged territory, feeling a bit too over-the-top compared to the more grounded tone of the earlier chapters. It seems to aim for shock value, but instead comes off as disconnected from the rest of the book. The abrupt shift doesn’t mesh well with the carefully built narrative that precedes it, making the conclusion feel somewhat forced. Some have described it as a "metaphor-made-literal," which is an apt description, but the execution felt a bit off. The events aren't portrayed in a realistic way, which could have softened the jarring impact and made the impact darker and less cartoonish. As it stands, the shock factor feels like the primary focus, which ultimately diminishes the overall cohesion of the story.
While I enjoyed Earthlings, I’m not sure it’s something I’d actively recommend. It’s an interesting read, but its bizarre ending may not resonate with everyone.
Thematically, Earthlings feels like a darker, more unsettling sibling to Convenience Store Woman. Once again, the protagonist defies societal expectations by rejecting the traditional path of career and family, opting for an unconventional marriage to avoid questions and pressure from loved ones. This time, however, these choices are framed as a response to deep-rooted childhood trauma, adding a more disturbing layer to the narrative.
I appreciated these themes, as they resonate with topics I enjoy exploring in books. Murata’s examination of societal norms and the alienation of those who don't conform is compelling and relatable.
That said, the ending veers into wild, unhinged territory, feeling a bit too over-the-top compared to the more grounded tone of the earlier chapters. It seems to aim for shock value, but instead comes off as disconnected from the rest of the book. The abrupt shift doesn’t mesh well with the carefully built narrative that precedes it, making the conclusion feel somewhat forced. Some have described it as a "metaphor-made-literal," which is an apt description, but the execution felt a bit off. The events aren't portrayed in a realistic way, which could have softened the jarring impact and made the impact darker and less cartoonish. As it stands, the shock factor feels like the primary focus, which ultimately diminishes the overall cohesion of the story.
While I enjoyed Earthlings, I’m not sure it’s something I’d actively recommend. It’s an interesting read, but its bizarre ending may not resonate with everyone.