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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Does the book escape, though, from important issues e.g. identity and the need for relationships? Perhaps we should say that it allows us to escape into a deeper, philosophical world. It's, therefore, the novel's strength.
Your comments about cultural references is important. It might help to know a bit more about Japan. As for the issue of translation, it's always a consideration to how we receive a novel. I think it works OK here.
You said the plot was interesting- I'm not sure the plot alone would make that good a story, but it's the interesting ways he chooses to tell it that makes it good.
i agree with megan, the plot on its own might be too "run of the mill" or boring, but murakami uses so much more to add to it, and effectively turns it on its head in terms of what we expect as readers (probably from the blurb)
what do you think of the blurb lyn?
Dan- I think the blurb makes the book out to be something else entirely. I know that the point of a blurb is to instill curiosity and desire to read the book, but the book is more than a cliffhanger and that sexual orientation is not such a major factor. I guesss the blurb is making the book out to be controvesial (what was unconventional is now the norm if you know what I mean) when it is not as black and white as that.
I completely agree with pretty much all of the points you have made, in paticular regarding the books suprising readability and the points you made about it being 'lost in translation'
Post a Comment