The book is a confusing but rewarding collection of interlinked stories that gradually reveal a bleak yet occasionally humorous vision of humanity's extinction. Its varied narrative voices and gradual unfolding of the bigger picture keep readers engaged despite initial ambiguity.
This review highlights the book as a novel-in-stories that initially confuses readers by presenting fragmented and sometimes misleading information. However, as the stories progress, a fuller understanding of the dystopian world emerges, making the experience rewarding. The book balances grim themes of human extinction with moments of love and humor, providing emotional variety. The reviewer appreciates the distinct voices of the stories, some of which are childlike and engaging, helping to maintain interest despite the challenging structure. The author's technique of withholding information and then revealing the truth later is seen not as a cheap trick but as a deliberate way to deepen the reader's engagement and comprehension over time.
Quick quotes
By the end of the novel... you feel that you understand 'the big picture' to some degree.
Some of the stories feature love and humour.
Kawakami seems to enjoy feeding the reader tiny bits of information and holding almost everything back.