It was recommended to me years ago. I finally picked up a copy of this award-winning classic and found myself underwhelmed.
- The plot itself was fine but the detailing of everything was like a test of my ability to visualize things, and the description (especially when laying out the setting) was written in such a dry, tedious way.
- The scheme itself was just so unrealistic. It was so over the top and relied on so many mechanical and theatrical factors that I just couldn't suspend my sense of disbelief.
- I'm not sure I understood the narrator. They're omniscient, but also actively telling you that they're only recounting reports made by characters and/or taking liberties with events/conversations to which they weren't privy?
I really wanted to like the book. I even questioned if it was just that prose or tone or impact were getting lost in translation, but I've not had this problem with translations of other Japanese authors.
I read that he has another 76 books about this character, so:
Are they all like this? Because if so, I don't think I'd be inclined to read more of his work.
by itsNotYourKey