Ivana Setiawan Setiawan itibaren Kamharra, Himachal Pradesh, Indien
** spoiler alert ** This book was nominated for my book club and I eagerly anticipated reading it. I have a huge interest in Japanese culture and history, as well as a background in art history and renaissance prints. However, despite all my interests in this time period and people, the book was an utter disappointment and a slow and tedious read. David Mitchell did his research and of that I’m not complaining. However, his writing style suffers from dryness and his plot suffers from inaction. Every single protagonist, of whose perspective we see, is powerless; terrible things happen around them and they can do nothing, so much of the narration is a helpless sort of pondering about what they should try to do. This in and of itself isn’t terrible, but when characters finally do gain a little bit of agency or decide to take action, the result is very anti-climatic. For example, when Orito decides to escape from the Shrine at Mount Shiranui and successfully does, she turns around and goes back!! Also, when Ogawa goes to rescue Orito, he is betrayed and turned over to the enemy; there’s no struggle, just drugged and killed. This book is not entertaining or fun in the least. If you’re curious about this topic or time period I would recommend reading a straight history book with first person narratives over this; it would be more entertaining.
Very good science fiction, if not a bit long. Then again, I like long books. Did enjoy the take on "vampires" as someone who generally isn't enthralled with the theme as it's represented in most books. Obviously these "virals" were derived from "I Am Legend" much more than the more romantic versions of vampires. The story is broken up into a few major parts, from before the virus spreads to a post-apocalyptic version of the future. Anyway, like all good science fiction books, its real focus was on the characters thrown into these fantastic situations. Generally I found them surprisingly believable and generally very interesting. Cronin did a good job establishing an interesting antagonist and protagonist in each part of the story. It was very long and each chapter ended in such a fashion that it made me want to read more. This is a natural way to write, but it can certainly leave a bit of a disappointed feeling when I flip the page and the next chapter is about a completely separate group of characters. I inevitably have to put it down before I get to find out what did in fact happen next. But that's a minor complaint because I did enjoy the story. Apparently it's the start of a series, which I look forward to reading. I simply home for a bit more consistency in chapter length next time. Also, I have to give some credit to Cronin for the title. A very good choice.
The second book in a fabulously addictive series.
One of the most complete books I've ever read. Filled with soul, sorrow, laughter, growth, life, and death.