BOOK BRIEF

The Silent Cry

Kenzaburō Ōe
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The Silent Cry

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

Book Brief

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Kenzaburō Ōe

The Silent Cry

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

274

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Japanese Literature
Period
Asian Literature
Setting

Rural Japan • 1960s

Topic
World History
Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1220L

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Super Short Summary

In The Silent Cry, Kenzaburō Ōe tells the story of two brothers returning to their ancestral village in post-war Japan. They grapple with family legacy, personal trauma, and societal change while confronting their family's past. The novel explores themes of identity, isolation, and the search for meaning amid Japan's shifting cultural landscape.

Dark

Melancholic

Mysterious

Contemplative

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.0

4,508 ratings

67%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Silent Cry by Kenzaburō Ōe captivates readers with its profound exploration of existential and cultural themes. Ōe's intricate storytelling and rich character development draw praise, yet some find the narrative's complexity challenging. The novel's intense and grim atmosphere evokes a mix of admiration and discomfort, showcasing Ōe's literary prowess.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Silent Cry?

A reader who enjoys The Silent Cry by Kenzaburō Ōe might appreciate introspective narratives exploring family dynamics, personal trauma, and societal change. They may also enjoy works like One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez or The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner, which share similar themes of complex family histories and existential reflection.

4.0

4,508 ratings

67%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

274

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Japanese Literature
Period
Asian Literature
Setting

Rural Japan • 1960s

Topic
World History
Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1220L

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