The novel is criticized for its problematic portrayal of female characters, suggesting that the author struggles to write convincing women. This aspect overshadows other elements of the book for the reviewer.
The reviewer finds "Kafka on the Shore" to be very problematic, particularly in its depiction of female characters. They argue that the women in the novel appear to be written by a man who systematically fails to capture the complexity and authenticity of female perspectives. This criticism suggests a significant disconnect between the author's writing style and the representation of gender in the book. While acknowledging the novel’s broader themes and narrative, the reviewer feels that this fundamental issue with character portrayal detracts from the overall experience and raises questions about the author's approach to gender. This lens frames much of their reading and evaluation of the novel, making it difficult for them to fully appreciate its literary qualities.
Quick quotes
His female characters in Kafka on the Shore were written by a man who systematically cannot write women.
It becomes painstakingly obvious that his female characters were problematic.
This aspect overshadows other elements of the book.