Comments on: Kinder Than Solitude

By: Isi

Isi — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 06:19:22 +0000

It’s interesting what your’ve said about the prose and characters, because it’s the same I feel when I read Chinese and Japanese authors. I always feel as if I’ve missed something important that was supposed to give you the clue to the real meaning of the novel, if such thing exists!
I also think it’s a cultural issue, even with Murakami, who is supposed to write to western people.
I didn’t know this author, by the way.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 22:43:13 +0000

In reply to Ciska @ Ciska's Book Chest. Well put, Ciska! Her writing is impeccable but didn't reach me.

By: Ciska @ Ciska's Book Chest

Ciska @ Ciska's Book Chest — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 08:17:31 +0000

Great review Catherine.
I totally agree with the emotional detachment you experienced. I see this problem come up in most reviews I read on Kinder Than Solitude and notice it is either the game breaker or game maker for the reader. Though I did enjoy it I can totally understand the scale flipping to the other side.

By: Cynthia Robertson

Cynthia Robertson — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 13:53:52 +0000

Fascinating review, Catherine. It kind of makes me want to poke my nose in it just to see what you mean, since I value your opinion.

By: Jenny @ Reading the End

Jenny @ Reading the End — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 13:06:43 +0000

Oh dear! I’m sorry to hear this didn’t do it for you — I’ve been looking forward to reading it, but the excerpts you’ve quoted sound like the characters really keep you at arm’s length. I might still give it a try anyway, as I like this kind of book (where it’s not about who did the deed but it’s about why everything happened as it did etc), but I’ll try to regulate my expectations.