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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “The mood evoked by this book is absolutely surreal.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“I liked it but I think the story could be told in much much fewer words!”
Anthropomorphic wrote this review 7 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Exploration of the complexities of male/female relationships and the self-hate they create and consume. The surreal setting is powerful.”
Eve-Marie L wrote this review Monday, September 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Haunting. ”
Peggy H wrote this review Friday, July 24 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“the book goes a little bats*** in the middle due to the authors tendancy to sway between the reality of the story and the warping thoughts of the main character. it was an okay read and a decent story tho it felt a little shallow for a good read and a little complicated for a quick read.
Andrew J wrote this review Wednesday, June 17 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
overall it was okay and the writting good but not clear would say you should probably read if youve got nothing waiting but i wouldnt hold other books id read above it”
“A frightening tale of circumstance, desperation and exploitation. Abé's claustrophobic portrayal of a man's imprisonment, his failure to free himself and his eventual decent into resignation and madness left me gasping and seething and desiring to shower after each reading. One of the most horrific books I've ever read.”
Alan F wrote this review Sunday, May 17 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The sort of book you can come back to again and again, in whatever stage of life you find yourself.”
Leen wrote this review Sunday, March 15 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“zaskakujące zakończenie.”
sputnik sweetheart wrote this review Wednesday, February 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A small, Kafka-esque gem by Kobo Abe. A novel that will make you feel very strange as you're reading it, but definitely worth the read.”
Suze wrote this review Tuesday, February 17 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This is worth the read. Niki's situation with the sand dunes and the woman really make you think about life and oppression. I incredibly enjoyed how Abe was able to give the sand life and make it into a very valuable character in the story. The ending is pretty surprising as well. I literally said "what the...?" when I turned the page and realize that the book was over. ”
Vonnie wrote this review Wednesday, November 26 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“this may be my most favorite of favorites. the book had a huge impact on me on my first reading. it explores many themes I enjoy and does so with skill.
stephen wrote this review Sunday, October 19 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
while many consider "the stranger" to be the epitome of existential novel, I disagree. I vote for "the woman in the dunes."
set in a sand pit, a prison, against his will, a man is to help the woman shovel off the ever encroaching sand.
can he accept his insignificance in the greater scheme of life? can he find contentment in this prison of sand? does he lose his will to escape to freedom? can he find all that life really has to offer in this pit?
many other questions are posed. my answers to some of these questions change upon added reading.
I find this deep, surreal and complex.
if I were trapped in a sand pit, this would be one of the books I would want with me.”
