3.5??? i'm honestly not sure on what to think of this book. It's left me thinking and a bit empty.

It was violent, raw and realistic, and really highlights the gruesome bully culture in Japan.

I really loved how strong of a character Kojima was, seeking out a connection with the unnamed main character. She stands strong in her beliefs, but it also seems that this becomes her "downfall" at the end of the book. She is so hopeful and bright, but too empathetic for her own good.

Kawakami was clever to create such a juxtaposition between the bullied and the ones bullying. She definitely writes beautifully, but provides an insightful look at empathy in this book whilst also exploring brutal and violent themes in reality. People do things because they want to.

I do want to say that some part of her has written this to highlight the hidden, dark nature of the Japanese. Their culture is to suppress and restrain emotions, and these teenagers expressing their desire in such a violent way is just a reminder of how this dark Id can be so overlooked in their country - not to say it doesn't exist in others, but contextually it works.

However, here is no real villain in this book, despite the obvious bullying. Here, Kawakami makes you THINK.

This book will definitely make you think, feel and question morality and if empathy is worth it in such a cruel world.

4.0 - You start off in this confusing world, where mood can be dictated by an electrical appliance. However, as a bit of information is revealed bit by bit, you begin to settle down more easily, and the concept of things such as androids become second nature.

Dick is exceptionally good at building, and revealing this world. Although the true state of the world is never fully explained or detailed, he gives you a good enough picture that you can read between the lines. He also writes speech so fluidly, you can't help but get to the bottom of a conversation. The entire premise of the plot is also strong, it explores human empathy and desire- but I do feel like Mercerism is a bit lost on me. This "religion" of the sort centers itself around empathy, but other than that, I have no clue on how it works.

The few shortcomings with this book come from the obvious confusion on Mercerism but also the clear anti-woman, and sexist views of several characters in this book. He cannot help but mention the size and stature of a woman's breasts and I feel that he, himself, is satiating his own desire to sleep with an android because he doesn't like his wife.

Other than that, it is a good book, and makes me want to watch the Ryan Gosling movie again, now that I've read the more digestable source material.