Specs
Reviews
(4.67/5)Let's get the warnings out of the way first:
- If you're uncomfortable with explicit sexual descriptions, do not read this book. And definitely stay away from the audiobook.
- If you want likeable characters you can root for, do not read this book. You won't find any.
- If you want something wholesome or heartwarming, this is not it.
On the other hand, if you want to see horrible, dislikeable characters sink even lower, if you find the (arguably deserved) misfortunes of others darkly humorous, if you enjoy watching the world burn while eating your popcorn, this book may be for you.
In a meta moment, a minor character in the book says that an erotic novel would be very well received by the general public as good literature, as long as it had the excuse of "social critique". The author certainly seems to have enjoyed himself immensely doing just that: writing a book that is as close to pornography as possible, while also being literature.
The book consists of loosely interconnected short stories that somehow form a whole. A character that plays a minor or incidental role in one story is the protagonist of the next, and so on. I almost gave up during the first two stories, not knowing where the book was taking me and being a little tired of all the moans and cries in the audiobook, but I was also very much intrigued, and in the end I do not regret continuing at all. Ultimately there was something almost poetic in all these stories behind all the vulgarity.
Life Goes On
Vulgar, crude, but oddly compelling, ララピポ is a sex and schadenfreude-fueled fever dream of a book featuring six interconnected short stories featuring a cast of the most pathetic losers this side of 渋谷センター街. There is absolutely no dull moment in any of the stories as each protagonist succumbs to various vices and sinks from the lowest lows to even further depths, hurtling towards self-destruction at mach speed. Poor decisions are made, bad behavior is justified by self-pity and pride, and the last remaining yen bills in already-lean wallets are frittered away on prostitutes and pleasure, leaving behind only sweet, sweet downfall. Despite the lewd and absurd nature of the plot, 奥田 never loses control over the narrative and there is almost a sense of poignancy amidst the moans and secretions of bodily fluids—to be human is to be a slave to one’s own ego, loneliness, and desires. But no matter what happens, tomorrow comes and life goes on.
I happened to love this book and thought it was unhinged in the best way. Listening to the audiobook, there were many moments where my wireless headphones kept falling out because I was laughing so hard at all the outrageous plot developments and they wouldn’t stay in! But it’s not all smut and laughing at the misfortune of others - I found myself slightly attached to all the characters by the end of the book and felt comforted by the humanity hidden deep beneath the layers…many, many layers…of filth. ララピポ is certainly is not for every reader, but if you enjoy black humor and are intrigued by the idea of erotica masquerading as literature (or perhaps literature masquerading as erotica?!), then it might be right up your alley! I especially recommend the audiobook edition, as the voice actors did a fantastic job bringing the entire cast of characters to life, which made all the different personalities and archetypes really pop. If you do choose the audiobook route, though, make sure you listen only when alone or with headphones…you’ll thank me later.