Notes of a Crocodile
Notes of a Crocodile
Book Brief
Beta242
Novel • Fiction
Taipei, Taiwan • 1990s
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Notes of a Crocodile by Qiu Miaojin follows a college student's exploration of identity and love in 1990s Taiwan. Through a series of diary entries and vignettes, the protagonist navigates societal expectations and personal struggles, reflecting the complexities of LGBTQ+ experiences in a shifting cultural landscape.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
7,590 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Qiu Miaojin's Notes of a Crocodile is celebrated for its raw exploration of LGBTQ+ identity and youth alienation in post-martial law Taiwan. Readers praise its lyrical prose and poignant emotional depth. However, the fragmented narrative may challenge some, and the intense themes might not appeal to everyone. Overall, it's a compelling and influential work.
Who Should Read Notes of a Crocodile?
Readers who appreciate LGBTQ+ themes, existential reflection, and avant-garde narrative styles will enjoy Notes of a Crocodile by Qiu Miaojin. Fans of Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin and The Dream of a Common Language by Adrienne Rich may find a similar resonance in exploring identity and desire.
7,590 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Notes of a Crocodile was written by Qiu Miaojin, a pioneering Taiwanese queer author, and the book was published posthumously in 1994, becoming a significant work in LGBTQ literature.
The novel is known for its unique narrative style, employing a mix of diary entries and letters to explore themes of identity and alienation.
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Qiu Miaojin is considered one of Taiwan's most prominent queer literary voices and has influenced many writers and readers with her candid exploration of sexuality and unconventional story-telling techniques.
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242
Novel • Fiction
Taipei, Taiwan • 1990s
2017
Adult
18+ years
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