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booksamongstfriends's review against another edition
4.0
Like all short story collections, Life Ceremony has its hits and misses. Though I would still say this was majority HITS. From the start, I was engaged and shocked by Murata's imaginative and often disturbing narratives. Many readers may find themselves a bit disgusted, as these stories explore relationships with family and friends in strange, weird, and potentially futuristic ways.
One story that stood out was the very first one. While some might find it eerie, it is hauntingly reminiscent of historical realities. During slavery, human hair was used to stuff furniture, and human teeth were used for dentures. This unsettling history makes the story even more impactful, highlighting how such atrocities could easily happen again, especially in our era of overconsumption and rampant capitalism. It’s a stark reminder that anything can have a price tag and become desirable.
The namesake story, “Life Ceremony,” really stood out to me as well. It plays with notions of cannibalism to explore themes of give and take, life and death, and the discomfort in conformity. Murata deftly illustrates how easily society changes and develops new norms, widening our barriers of what we previously deemed acceptable.
Another favorite was "Poochie," which humorously critiques modern work culture and businessmen. My top four stories in the collection are "Hatchling," "A First-Rate Material," "Life Ceremony," and "Poochie." Each of these stories left a lasting impression and provided plenty to ponder long after finishing the book.
Overall, while not every story in Life Ceremony may resonate with every reader, there's no denying Murata's ability to provoke thought and challenge societal norms. This collection is sure to offer something for everyone to reflect on.
One story that stood out was the very first one. While some might find it eerie, it is hauntingly reminiscent of historical realities. During slavery, human hair was used to stuff furniture, and human teeth were used for dentures. This unsettling history makes the story even more impactful, highlighting how such atrocities could easily happen again, especially in our era of overconsumption and rampant capitalism. It’s a stark reminder that anything can have a price tag and become desirable.
The namesake story, “Life Ceremony,” really stood out to me as well. It plays with notions of cannibalism to explore themes of give and take, life and death, and the discomfort in conformity. Murata deftly illustrates how easily society changes and develops new norms, widening our barriers of what we previously deemed acceptable.
Another favorite was "Poochie," which humorously critiques modern work culture and businessmen. My top four stories in the collection are "Hatchling," "A First-Rate Material," "Life Ceremony," and "Poochie." Each of these stories left a lasting impression and provided plenty to ponder long after finishing the book.
Overall, while not every story in Life Ceremony may resonate with every reader, there's no denying Murata's ability to provoke thought and challenge societal norms. This collection is sure to offer something for everyone to reflect on.
leefybeaf's review
4.0
I'm on break so I took the time to read a little (or a lot I read most of this April 1st).
I've been wanting to read more of Murata's work since I real Earthlings a couple years ago, and I was really pleased with this.
My favorite stories from this collection have to be Life Ceremony, Puzzle, and Hatchling! Life Ceremony really made me think and the narrative was just really interesting to me. Puzzle was trippy and the perspective really made me like it. As for Hatchling, I just really liked the concept!
I've thoroughly enjoyed this and definitely want to read Convenience Store Woman soon.
I've been wanting to read more of Murata's work since I real Earthlings a couple years ago, and I was really pleased with this.
My favorite stories from this collection have to be Life Ceremony, Puzzle, and Hatchling! Life Ceremony really made me think and the narrative was just really interesting to me. Puzzle was trippy and the perspective really made me like it. As for Hatchling, I just really liked the concept!
I've thoroughly enjoyed this and definitely want to read Convenience Store Woman soon.
badly_behaved_books's review against another edition
challenging
fast-paced
- 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
3.5
rishika_10_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cannibalism
_felinefatale's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
averyasato's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5