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archiedh's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
lilly71490's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cara_with_a_k's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
a_ford1's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mirrorofneptune's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
I knew this story's cultural impact so I knew what I was getting into, but still: he can’t do this to me
snowwhitehatesapples's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Also on Snow White Hates Apples.
Which is the truth? Which is the lie?
In a Grove by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa cleverly explores the way people perceive an event (in this case, a terrible one involving the murder of a samurai); their willingness to share the truthful, completely objective and unbiased recitation of their perspective; and how the human mind can fool one into believing what is false to be truthful and vice versa.
Without providing any clear distinction between what is true or false, we're simply given seven accounts of the murder and it's up to us to puzzle it out. However, the answer we come up with would most likely be the same as the accounts: simultaneously true and untrue because unless Akutagawa opens the box for us, Schrödinger's cat is both dead and alive.
Nevertheless, as clever as this story is, it's too concise for my preference. Adding a little more to this story — like depth and explorations of the human psyche together with what's already been done — would've made In a Grove more impactful.
Which is the truth? Which is the lie?
In a Grove by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa cleverly explores the way people perceive an event (in this case, a terrible one involving the murder of a samurai); their willingness to share the truthful, completely objective and unbiased recitation of their perspective; and how the human mind can fool one into believing what is false to be truthful and vice versa.
Without providing any clear distinction between what is true or false, we're simply given seven accounts of the murder and it's up to us to puzzle it out. However, the answer we come up with would most likely be the same as the accounts: simultaneously true and untrue because unless Akutagawa opens the box for us, Schrödinger's cat is both dead and alive.
Nevertheless, as clever as this story is, it's too concise for my preference. Adding a little more to this story — like depth and explorations of the human psyche together with what's already been done — would've made In a Grove more impactful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
zakcebulski's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A succinct and quick read that is the epitome of "he said she said" regarding a murder case of a man in the titular grove.
Akutagawa's writing and the translation by Takashi Kojima are absolutely breathtaking at points.
The fact that Akutagawa was able to fit so much into such a short story is truly amazing.
I also have to commend this story for going on to be adapted by the legendary Akira Kurosawa in his movie Rashoman. I mean, goddamn this story is great.
Absolutely want to read more by Akutagawa.
giuliabrav_oh's review
4.0
Forgot to write a review about this one. Incredibly confusing at the beginning, last three testimonies were pretty juicy. The woman and bandit were definitely doing something together.