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ji_reads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I read "Convenience Store Woman" a couple years ago, which I enjoyed. While this book was more grotesque, I do see a lot of similar themes of alienation and relationships in Japanese society.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Sexual assault
Moderate: Body horror and Cannibalism
Minor: Incest
roesalow's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Eating disorder, Sexual violence, Pedophilia, Suicide, Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, and Murder
elizabeth159's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Murder, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Cannibalism, Incest, Child abuse, and Adult/minor relationship
mellbutrin's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Murata tells a horrifying, yet beautifully written, story of Natsuki, an elementary school student, experiencing sexual abuse from her teacher and emotional and physical abuse from her close family. To cope with this abuse, Natsuki creates a magical system and imagines herself as an alien wizard, distinct from the "Earthlings" around her.
As a grown woman, Natsuki's belief that she is an alien only intensifies, a consequence of her husband believing in both her fantasies and her description of society as a "Factory" for reproducing and working. This folie à deux encourages the couple to perform despicable acts in order to escape the "Factory" and distinguish themselves from "Earthlings."
Natsuki is vividly brought out as a character. She is compellingly sympathetic, and though Natsuki's actions frequently go against social taboos, Murata’s careful exploration of Natsuki’s philosophy and psychology makes it easy to understand why she performs them.
I cannot recommend this book to anyone. However, for those who can endure painfully explicit scenes of sexual and physical abuse, suicidal ideation, incest, and cannibalism, this book offers a worthwhile portrayal of self-discovery and survival, along with decent social commentary.
Graphic: Physical abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Gore, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Blood, Cannibalism, Incest, Rape, Murder, Violence, and Acephobia/Arophobia
Minor: Suicide
dnvrdnvr's review against another edition
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, and Sexual assault
oatmilky's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
For those that liked The Vegetarian by Han Kang minus the mundane with more taboo.
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Incest, Sexual assault, Pedophilia, Gore, Cannibalism, Emotional abuse, Blood, Mental illness, and Adult/minor relationship
ccate's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Cannibalism, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, Incest, Pedophilia, Suicide attempt, Acephobia/Arophobia, Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, Murder, Physical abuse, Blood, and Suicide
strange_abalone's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have no idea what to rate this…. I have no idea what I just read… a brilliant depiction of society and trauma…. But also, what did I just read?????
Reaction after sitting with it for a day:
I think the initial reaction is to be stunned, and that makes a lot of sense, it’s a very diabolical read. But a lot of the reviews here seem to be shocked by the nature of the book without exploring more into what ideas are being presented. It’s deranged to make a point, and in that way it is exceptional. The “factory” and popinpobopians are concepts that will sit with me forever.
Graphic: Incest, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Emotional abuse, Vomit, Child abuse, Death, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Body horror, Gaslighting, Gore, Mental illness, Violence, Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Bullying, and Suicidal thoughts
kaitlynmccully's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Graphic: Cannibalism, Murder, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Incest, Suicide attempt, Adult/minor relationship, Abandonment, Pedophilia, and Bullying
dove816's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Incest, Murder, Sexual assault, Cannibalism, and Suicidal thoughts