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pzdrnk's reviews
17 reviews
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
5.0
Norwegian Wood is one of the most honest and beautifully written books I’ve ever come across. Its simplicity is poetic, yet it speaks volumes about life, love, and the quiet struggles that define our existence. If you’re drawn to existential themes, this book will resonate deeply.
It’s the kind of story that sneaks up on you. By the time you set it down, you realize just how much it’s moved you. When Watanabe read Midori’s letter, I felt this hollow ache, like she was writing to me personally. The entire novel has that effect—you get wrapped up in these characters without even noticing, and before long, you’re emotionally tied to their journeys.
It’s a book that offers a deep sense of catharsis, and for me, it was nothing short of incredible. Quite possibly my favorite book I’ve read so far.
It’s the kind of story that sneaks up on you. By the time you set it down, you realize just how much it’s moved you. When Watanabe read Midori’s letter, I felt this hollow ache, like she was writing to me personally. The entire novel has that effect—you get wrapped up in these characters without even noticing, and before long, you’re emotionally tied to their journeys.
It’s a book that offers a deep sense of catharsis, and for me, it was nothing short of incredible. Quite possibly my favorite book I’ve read so far.
Factotum by Charles Bukowski
3.75
This is pretty typical Bukowski. As with most of what he wrote, it’s supposed to be loosely based on his real-life experiences. If you can overlook his tendency to overcompensate by portraying himself as hard and unfeeling, along with his exaggerating—if not outright lying—about the frequency of his sexual encounters and the quality of the women involved, then it’s a good, quick read for a laugh. The best parts are his humorous accounts of working various disposable menial jobs. Bukowski is genuinely funny, a trait often overlooked by readers who get too caught up in his macho bravado.
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
3.5
I had a good time reading Wild Love. I’ve realised that low-stakes books don’t always hold my attention, but this one was enjoyable whenever I picked it up for a quick, easy read. It’s not the kind of story that’ll keep you up all night, but it’s fun and light enough to make you smile. Sure, it took me a while to actually finish, but when I did, I wasn’t disappointed. It won’t change your life, but if you’re looking to escape into a sweet, lakeside romance with a billionaire, this one’s perfect for that.
White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky
5.0
Soul-stirring
White Nights is a short story that beautifully captures the depths of unrequited love, tinged with romance and melancholy. Dostoyevsky masterfully depicts loneliness and suffering, highlighting the duality between the sadness of living alone and the strange beauty that can emerge from it—the freedom to escape into one's dreams and idealize the past.
The story unfolds as the lonely narrator encounters a young girl in distress one fateful night. Their shared feelings of alienation, their bond, and their introspective musings form the heart of the tale. But when reality inevitably intrudes, our protagonist faces the truth with quiet resignation.
What I loved most about this story is how Dostoyevsky so vividly portrays the complex spectrum of human emotions. Definitely one of my favourites.
White Nights is a short story that beautifully captures the depths of unrequited love, tinged with romance and melancholy. Dostoyevsky masterfully depicts loneliness and suffering, highlighting the duality between the sadness of living alone and the strange beauty that can emerge from it—the freedom to escape into one's dreams and idealize the past.
The story unfolds as the lonely narrator encounters a young girl in distress one fateful night. Their shared feelings of alienation, their bond, and their introspective musings form the heart of the tale. But when reality inevitably intrudes, our protagonist faces the truth with quiet resignation.
What I loved most about this story is how Dostoyevsky so vividly portrays the complex spectrum of human emotions. Definitely one of my favourites.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
2.5
Hope they discover in the future that there is such a thing as couples therapy. Already praying for their shrink.
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
5.0
Dostoyevsky pulls you into a world of futility and resentment, and somehow, it’s strangely beautiful.
It feels almost ironic to call a novel with such heavy themes "beautiful," but The Brothers Karamazov surprised me with the emotions it stirred. Dostoyevsky digs deep into religious and societal questions while showing how unpredictable love and family can be. This book is a long journey, but it’s packed with the kind of moral depth that makes you lose track of time as the pages fly by.
It feels almost ironic to call a novel with such heavy themes "beautiful," but The Brothers Karamazov surprised me with the emotions it stirred. Dostoyevsky digs deep into religious and societal questions while showing how unpredictable love and family can be. This book is a long journey, but it’s packed with the kind of moral depth that makes you lose track of time as the pages fly by.
Each character has a purpose, and every brother is a personality you’ll want to explore. The story keeps you hooked with new questions and answers at every turn, and by the end, you’re left with a whirlwind of emotions.
Yes, it’s a long read, but totally worth it.