A review by laurenvoice
Life Ceremony by Sayaka Murata

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

3.0

Life Ceremony contains a mixed bag of short stories; some weird, some a tad boring and some surprisingly emotional. 
 
A First-Rate Material ⭐⭐⭐ - okay, this was a bit odd; it sets the tone for the rest of this short story collection. It reminded me a little of Tender is the Flesh, but with a more sentimental meaning behind using products made out of "humans". However, the ending was a letdown but kind of sweet too.

A Magnificent Spread ⭐⭐.5 - an interesting message; however, the story was a tad boring.

A Summer Night's Kiss ⭐⭐.5 - this was okay, although quite short.

Two's Family ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - this was an extension of the previous story. It was a beautiful story about platonic love and relationships.

The Time of the Large Star ⭐.5 - this story's point may have gone over my head; not 100% sure what it was about.

Poochie ⭐⭐⭐ - a weird story; however, I wished it was a tad longer.

Life Ceremony ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 - wow, that was a bittersweet end! Who would have thought a story about societal cannibalism would be so thought-provoking and emotional.

Body Magic ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - this one reminded me of Earthlings; Shiho and Yota's story reminded me of Natsuki and Yuu's story from Earthlings minus the cannibalism. I enjoyed this one and liked the message and the empowerment the main character felt at the end.

Lover on the Breeze ⭐⭐.5 - an interesting story concept; it just needed more.

Puzzle ⭐ - I couldn't get into this story. The ending was weird.

Eating the City ⭐⭐ - just like the previous story, I found it hard to click with the story. But an interesting idea, though.

Hatchling ⭐⭐⭐ - this was okay. The whole different personalities based on the group of people you are with made sense.

A Clean Marriage ⭐⭐⭐ - this was okay; an interesting story, but the ending was weird. 
s weird. 
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