Reviews

The Woman in the Dunes by Kōbō Abe

ediheid's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

8797999's review against another edition

3.0

A very interesting read, I enjoyed it but I felt it was a bit incomplete,especially towards the end, and could have been a bit shorter.

It's been on my read-list for a while and I am glad to have finally read it.

gainesvillebunko's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

smilejosh's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

runforrestrun's review against another edition

challenging dark slow-paced

3.0

tyufekchieva's review against another edition

1.0

Мнението ми за това…произведение, ще го сумирам в едно изречение - никога повече няма да си причиня подобно мъчение по собствена воля. След десетките цитати, свързани с мъжкото достойнство на Джумпей, смятам, че всеки себеуважаващ човек няма и да си помисли да посегне към тази “книга”. Рязко съжалих, че вместо да легна да спя, реших да я довърша.

josepht61's review against another edition

1.0

A horrible main character and a rather endless plot that was miserable. I’m unsure why it’s a classic and I wouldn’t recommend reading it. 

vonbergundy's review

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Not as rich as the film adaptation, but still a nice and dark existential story.

highestiqinfresno's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

mnstrtrckr's review against another edition

challenging dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

An interesting concept in a fascinating setting driven by an unlikable protagonist who narrates his helpless imprisonment

and eventual acquiescence

like a fever dream filled with longing and regret. I wish more time had been given over to the titular woman. Read it if you like metaphors that are painful to experience.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual assault