Reviews

Kafka On The Shore by Haruki Murakami

dappyf87's review against another edition

3.0

As my third Murakami book, this one was a little over my head and was a bit too surreal for me. I think it was a well written book, but a bit hard to follow.

Will definitely revisit one day.

erinastin's review against another edition

3.0

I feel soooo mixed on this. The premise and themes that Murakami explores are captivating in theory, but his execution fell short for me. I think a lot of my issues with the book had to do with Kafka's narration. I guess I've realized that I have no desire to read about a 15-year-old boy's sexual proclivities, especially when they involve incest :) Being in his head was just not that fun for me.

However, I adored Nakata's character, and his friendship with Hoshino was so pure. The whimsy in this book was delightful and I stand by my belief that Murakami is a master at painting environments that are effortless to slip into.

I can see myself adding to this review or changing my rating as I allow myself to sit with this for longer.

lvvers's review against another edition

2.0

I've been trying to finish this book for two years now, and I haven't been able to finish it yet. I had to leave it halfway read because of how painful it was to read. I feel like the book tries to be too philosophical and deep, while adding characters and descriptions that are completely unnecessary.

Long story short, I got bored.

ninilovesbooks_07's review against another edition

mysterious reflective medium-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

4.75

giulicale's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

grotesking's review against another edition

adventurous challenging funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

parallel lines walk together, so close to each other, so similar but never met.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

ikarilost's review against another edition

reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

batmanbussy's review against another edition

3.0

3.5/5 i'm not a fan of Oedipus and INC3ST, enjoyed the intertwining stories and the cats tho and how it felt like a dream

elliyapanis25's review against another edition

adventurous challenging hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

youngthespian42's review against another edition

3.0

2.5 rounded up to a 3. The language in this novel is truly moving at times but the magical realism stuff just kinda happens? Also there a lot of sexual content that is really bizzare and feels shoe horned in for no reason. I listened on audio so it was easy to speed up and not focus on parts that dragged but overall the experience was enjoyable. I think if I had been reading it I might have put it down due to the tedium of it all.