Sputnik Sweetheart A Novel

J Philip Gabriel, Haruki Murakami

Absolutely fantastic. First Murakami I ever read out of sheer curiosity by the cover (the black and...more

Absolutely fantastic. First Murakami I ever read out of sheer curiosity by the cover (the black and white nude woman version) and it rocked my socks. Incredibly romantic without the mushiness (the unconventionality of a lesbian agenda helps), philosophical, surrealist, introspective and utterly emotionally draining, but in a good way. The ending annoys at first read, but later is what I believe holds the key to the whole narrative - reader participation and retrospection.   hide

the biggest flaw of sputnik sweetheart is its unprecedented thickness (or lack thereof) it feels...more

the biggest flaw of sputnik sweetheart is its unprecedented thickness (or lack thereof) it feels more like a short story rather than an actual novel. nonetheless, elements that define a Murakami novel is present here in its full glory. despite ending with a conclusion that leaves me reeling in knowing what happened to Sumire, in the long run, i felt that the way it ended was necessary after all.   hide

While this book is about lesbian lovers, it's so refreshing that Murakami does not focus on the...more

While this book is about lesbian lovers, it's so refreshing that Murakami does not focus on the fact that they are lesbians. From the beginning, I felt that it focused on love without glamorizing any LGBT issues which other novels sometimes have focused too much on. The relationship between the two women seemed unique and not over-played. I was easily moved and captured by the character development.   hide

I think every book has its own life: even if you buy it or receive it as a gift, you'll only be...more

I think every book has its own life: even if you buy it or receive it as a gift, you'll only be able to read it at the right time. It took me a while to get myself immersed in Sputnik Sweetheart, but then it caught my whole attention and I devored it in a few nights. The English translation (by the author) is very readable, to the extent of actually forgetting it's a translation. The story is full of feelings, energy and tension.   hide

this was also my virgin murukmi experience. i read it inside a bungalow in pai, in northern...more

this was also my virgin murukmi experience. i read it inside a bungalow in pai, in northern thailand. it hooked me, and ive since found myself trying to replicate the experience by unconsciously drifting toward a murukami title whenever i travelling. thers is something so tragically mesmerising about the dissapearance in this novel, it haunts you everafter.   hide