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carlos_gc's review against another edition
3.0
Última lectura del año. Empecé a leer estos cuentos porque Kenzaburo Oé es uno de los grandes de a literatura japonesa y quería tener una primera aproximación de su forma de escribir. El cuento que menos me ha gustado es el primero, que precisamente da nombre al libro. La verdad es que la lectura me deja con sentimientos encontrados e incapaz de decir si me ha gustado o no. En todo caso, creo que seguiré leyendo alguna obra suya más para poderme labrar una buena opinión al respecto. En todo caso, no se puede negar de que sabe usar los recursos de la lengua escrita y de que, en especial en el tercero de los cuentos, se siente cómodo implementando aspectos de la literatura posmodernista y los implementa bien, sin que parezcan forzados.
thmei's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
So far I have only read the first story, The Day He Himself Shall Wipe My Tears Away, so this review is just for that one!
I think this is the perfect example of a “not for everyone” read. This novella was incredible, but it was also grotesque, disgusting, frustrating, discomfiting, and melancholic, and I don’t think the content nor the matter of fact writing style would be loved by everyone. While I can’t say I exactly enjoyed the uncomfortable experience of reading this story, I do think that any piece of writing with the ability to make me feel as much as this did is simply amazing. The complexity of the main character, the deep, strained dive into his relationship with his parents, the absurd relationship with truth and reality- this is a work of genius.
I think this is the perfect example of a “not for everyone” read. This novella was incredible, but it was also grotesque, disgusting, frustrating, discomfiting, and melancholic, and I don’t think the content nor the matter of fact writing style would be loved by everyone. While I can’t say I exactly enjoyed the uncomfortable experience of reading this story, I do think that any piece of writing with the ability to make me feel as much as this did is simply amazing. The complexity of the main character, the deep, strained dive into his relationship with his parents, the absurd relationship with truth and reality- this is a work of genius.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Death of parent, Abandonment, and War
Moderate: Blood and Medical content
archer_sloane's review against another edition
dark
reflective
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? Yes
3.5
Like any collection, there are some winners, and some that don't win quite as much. Good read for Oe fans, but not where I'd start with him.
malcolmr's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-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
3.75
despecularize's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Racial slurs, and Rape
sohdas's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty