Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

How hard is Earthlings to read?

Earthlings scores 65 out of 100 for difficulty on ReadingRate, making it quite demanding. The score is a weighted composite of nine measures: four of how hard the prose is to parse, five of how hard the meaning is to extract.

Vocabulary: 48 out of 100

Murata employs a relatively straightforward vocabulary, avoiding specialized jargon or archaic language. While the narrative incorporates elements of fantasy and science fiction, the language remains accessible, similar to "The Great Gatsby" in its clarity. The invented word "Popinpobopia" is an exception, but its meaning is easily inferred.

Sentence structure: 42 out of 100

The sentences in "Earthlings" are generally direct and easy to follow, with a mix of simple and compound structures. Paragraphs are well-managed, and the narrative flows smoothly, making it more accessible than a book like "2666." While not as simple as "Diary of a Young Girl," the syntax doesn't present significant challenges.

Abstraction: 68 out of 100

"Earthlings" blends concrete narrative with philosophical themes related to societal norms, alienation, and the definition of humanity. The protagonist's internal world and her struggle against societal expectations introduce a layer of abstraction, pushing it beyond purely concrete storytelling. While not as abstract as "Waiting for Godot," the novel delves into deeper meanings beneath the surface events, similar to "2666."

Information density: 55 out of 100

The novel presents a moderate level of information density, balancing plot progression with character development and thematic exploration. While the narrative contains unsettling and thought-provoking elements, it doesn't overwhelm the reader with dense concepts or intricate details. The attention demands are higher than a purely plot-driven novel like "The Housemaid," but lower than a text like "War and Peace."

Narrative indirection: 75 out of 100

The narrative relies heavily on the reader to interpret the protagonist's experiences and motivations, particularly as her perception of reality becomes increasingly distorted. The reader must infer the true nature of events and the reliability of Natsuki's perspective, requiring a more active role in constructing meaning, similar to "Lolita." The novel does not offer direct explanations, leaving much open to interpretation.

Symbolic density: 78 out of 100

"Earthlings" is rich in symbolism, with recurring motifs such as the concept of "earthlings," the magical objects, and the natural world carrying deeper meanings. These symbols contribute to the novel's exploration of alienation, societal expectations, and the search for belonging. The symbolic density is comparable to "The Great Gatsby," where objects and settings represent larger themes.

Ironic distance: 60 out of 100

The novel maintains a degree of ironic distance, particularly in its portrayal of societal norms and the protagonist's attempts to conform. The reader is invited to question the values and beliefs of the characters and the world they inhabit, creating a gap between what is presented and what is truly meant. This is not as pronounced as in "Ulysses," but still present.

Resolution withholding: 85 out of 100

The novel deliberately withholds a clear resolution, leaving the reader with lingering questions about the protagonist's fate and the nature of her reality. The ambiguity surrounding the ending contributes to the novel's unsettling and thought-provoking nature, similar to "2666." The lack of closure forces the reader to grapple with the themes and implications of the story.

Structural complexity: 50 out of 100

The novel follows a mostly chronological structure, but shifts in perspective and the blurring of reality create a degree of structural complexity. The narrative incorporates elements of magical realism and fantasy, which disrupt the linear flow and challenge the reader's understanding of events. While not as experimental as "Ulysses," the novel's structure contributes to its overall sense of unease and disorientation.

How Earthlings is regarded

Earthlings holds a literary regard score of 41 out of 100, weighing its place in the canon, its critical reception, its influence on other writers, and the standing of its author. Regard is measured separately from difficulty: a demanding book is not necessarily an admired one.

About the author

Sayaka Murata