The strengths and weaknesses of Sputnik Sweetheart

One of the most noticeable strengths of Sputnik Sweetheart is its readability. This essential aspect often dictates whether or not the reader will like, relate to and believe the story. The plot is interesting, another strength and may also be described as unpredictable. This unpredictability is too a strength of the book. One has no desire to read a book in which they everything that is to come. Its imagery is another of Sputnik Sweetheart’s strengths. The metaphors he inputs into the story relate and add to what the reader is imagining. For example; “My mind was blank, a rice paddy in the middle of a rainstorm.” Page 87. Murikami creates an idea of what K is feeling having been woken in the dead of night to a confused telephone conversation.

Sputnik Sweetheart is a translated novel. Translated from Japanese, the language has an unusual rhythm to it, perhaps stemming from the possible “lost in translation”. If the reader has knowledge of this translation, they may feel that they could be missing something in the retelling of the story. This has the potential to make the book not enjoyable and also a book that is not easy to relate to. Another issue following the theme of lost in translation, is the difference in culture. A westerner, or indeed anyone without relation t the culture of Sputnik Sweetheart; may not fully comprehend the Japanese culture. Without knowledge, understanding or comprehension of this culture, the book may wash over with no effect. However, this very weakness may be in fact strength to another reader; there is the possibility that the reader will thrive on the discovery of new culture. Sputnik sweetheart may broaden ones mindset.

A strength of Sputnik Sweetheart is the fact that it is so relatable. It is a book, where the whole story is not spoon-fed to the reader, but in fact, the reader makes his/her own judgments. It is a book that will have different aspects of it appreciated, as different readers will perceive it differently. It is possible that the book will not be understandable; the plot may seem far-fetched and unrealistic, not allowing the reader to enjoy or “buy into” it. However, I contradict myself; the escapism from normal life may be exactly what is appreciated about the book. Escapism gives the reader an opportunity to delve into another idea.

Review of Wide Sargasso Sea

Wide Sargasso Sea is a three part book and is the prequel to Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel Jane Eyre. It follows the life of Antoinette Mason, a beautiful, Creole woman, raised in the exotic Caribbean, who is betrothed to a man she hardly knows and has her future mapped out for her by others, namely her stepbrother. It journeys from her unusual and exotic upbringing in Martinique; an island in the Caribbean, to her meeting; courtship and marriage to Edward Rochester. The book’s descriptive quality gives the reader a true sense of the Caribbean and provides an amusing yet pitiful outlook, and the repercussions of, the difference between the cultures of England and that of the Caribbean. This is shown mainly in the relations between Mr Rochester and Antoinette, and also in Rochester’s attempt to adapt to this foreign lifestyle, after having been brought up to act in a more formal manner. It is an ingenuitive book, creating a strange and somewhat sad childhood for Antoinette. It is a passionate book, detailing the relationship between Rochester and Antoinette. It is an emotive book, describing her life in England under the power of her husband Edward Rochester.
The book both touches and delves deep into certain controversial issues, failed marriages, marriages formed for financial reasons, religion and black magic. Also, the issue of insanity is a key factor in this book. It covers the idea that perhaps someone is driven to become insane but also poses the question; it insanity an underlying idea? Is it hereditary? Can nothing be done to prevent it? The unknown woman named Bertha who was known as nothing more than Rochester’s demented wife and one of his most significant regrets is given a new voice in this imaginative and emotive piece of literature by Jean Rhys.