Earthlings
Earthlings
Book Brief
Beta135
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 2010s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata follows a woman navigating societal expectations and searching for identity after traumatic childhood experiences. As she reconnects with a cousin and confronts unconventional beliefs, their journey explores themes of conformity, survival, and personal freedom in an unforgiving world.
Reviews & Readership
17 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Earthlings by Sayaka Murata captivates with its bold storytelling and unique narrative, garnering praise for its imaginative and unflinching exploration of societal norms. However, some readers find its themes too bizarre and unsettling. The novel's daring approach provokes strong reactions, making it a compelling but polarizing read.
Who Should Read Earthlings?
Readers who enjoy offbeat, thought-provoking narratives about societal norms and the outsider experience would relish Sayaka Murata's Earthlings. Fans of Convenience Store Woman by the same author, or Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami, will appreciate its dark humor and surreal storytelling that question the fabric of conformity and identity.
17 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Earthlings was written by Sayaka Murata, a highly acclaimed Japanese author known for her unique and often unconventional storytelling style, which won her significant recognition with her previous work, Convenience Store Woman.
The novel delves into themes of societal pressure and nonconformity, which reflect Murata's ongoing exploration of how individuals navigate societal norms.
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Sayaka Murata has described Earthlings as a deeply personal work, drawing inspiration from her own feelings of alienation and her questioning of traditional life paths in Japanese society.
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135
Novel • Fiction
Japan • 2010s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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