Orokamonogatari

by NisiOisiN

Orokamonogatari (愚物語) is the fourteenth part of the Monogatari series. It is the nineteenth book overall, and contains the stories Sodachi Fiasco (そだちフィアスコ), Suruga Bonehead (するがボーンヘッド), and Tsukihi Undo (つきひアンドゥ). It is the first book in the Off Season of the series.

As the first novel of Off Season, it is the first novel to feature arcs that don't occur chronologically after each other. Instead, each individual arc features a different narrator and tells its own story, not directly related to the other arcs in the novel.

Genres: Japanese Literature

304 pages, Unknown Binding

Published October 5, 2015

About the author

Nisio Isin (西尾維新 Nishio Ishin), frequently written as NisiOisiN to emphasize that his pen name is a palindrome, is a Japanese novelist and manga writer. He attended and left Ritsumeikan University without graduating. In 2002, he debuted with the novel Kubikiri Cycle, which earned him the 23rd Mephisto Award at twenty years of age.

He currently works with Kodansha on Pandora, the Kodansha Box magazine, and Faust, a literary magazine containing the works of other young authors who similarly take influence from light novels and otaku culture. He was also publishing a twelve volume series over twelve months for the Kodansha Box line; Ryusui Seiryoin was matching this output, and the Kodansha Box website stated that this is the first time in the world two authors have done twelve volume monthly novel series simultaneously from the same publisher.

In February, 2008, his novel Death Note Another Note: The Los Angeles BB Murder Cases was released in English by Viz Media. Del Rey Manga has already released the first volume in his Zaregoto series. His Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari and Katanagatari novels have been adapted into anime series. Nekomonogatari (Kuro) has been adapted into an anime TV movie, and Kizumonogatari will be release in theaters this year. Monogatari Series: Second Season, adapted from 6 books in Monogatari Series will air in July 2013. Another of his works, Medaka Box (manga), has been adapted into a two-season anime series.

Reviews

[Emil Trifonov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sodachi Fiasco

[Peter Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her unreliabe narration makes this.novel so good and interesting

[Jordan DeMoura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable set of smaller stories to bring the reader back into the world after the series ‘ended’ with Zoku Owarimonogatari.

First, we have Sodachi Fiasco which I liked quite a bit. I liked Sodachi as a character a lot in Owarimonogatari and seeing more of her inner thoughts was rewarding. And wow did we get a lot because this book is basically 99% internal monologue. Mostly of her detailing her own self-loathing or hatred for Araragi (which is likely just redirected self-hatred), or meticulous overthinking and social anxiety. I think this is a valuable contribution to her character and I hope to see more of her in the series.

8/10

Then we had Suruga Bonehead which was a pretty compelling mystery story with a riddle of sorts as the central plot device. I don’t have a ton to say about this one but it was a quick and enjoyable enough read and I always like reading about Kanbaru.

7/10

Finally, we have ‘Tsukihi Undo’ which was honestly a delightful time. The comedy is genuinely really effective in this story, and Yotsugi is a surprisingly charming narrator for someone who’s emotionless (by her own admission; though I don’t necessarily agree with her). Plus, as a magical girl fan I love the series embracing the mahou shoujo stylings for this. And above all, we get to see Nadeko post-Koimonogatari and that was the highlight. Nadeko is a great character and she has grown SO MUCH since her first appearance in Bakemonogatari. Seeing her newly embraced mindset and committing herself openly and unashamedly towards her art is really heartwarming to see.

9/10

[Will Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to get back into this series finally! It was very enjoyable overall, but I do think the first story was a tad heavy on inner monologue as opposed to conversation between characters, which are some of the more enjoyable moments to me.

[Jared Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

incredible usage of narration. the third story was best, then the first.

[Ralion L · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU CAN DESPISE ME AS MUCH AS YOU WANT.
AT LEAST AS MUCH AS I USED TO LOVE YOU BEFORE.

Cute Mathemagician girl and her fun lil new school life 🥰