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sarahthenerd's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
What a disturbing book. First of all, I kind of understand that Noboru is curious about sex and human body since he's 13 y/o boy. But as I read further, I don't think him watching his mother pleasuring herself and her and her love interest have sex, is not just abt being curious. IMO, he watches it bcs of his friend group. This lead to my second point.
I believe Noboru wouldn't be a disturbing child if it was not bcs of his choice in friends. The chief gives this kind of idea that a man should be tough and never settle down. In other words, toxic masculinity and I'm not sure what's the word for degrading someone that share the same gender as them. I also read an article that Noboru and his friends is like a cult which now I can see it bcs of that one particular part in this book. As I said before, I don't think Noboru wouldn't be a disturbing child if he hadn't met the chief and the other numbers. I think deep down, Noboru still believes that what the chief said is bullshit. For example, he got overreacted when he heard one of the numbers' dad hit him. IMO, bcs of the chief, the others became toxic. The real villain in this story is the chief. And if it weren't for the chief, Norobu would be happy to have Ryuji as his father. Even though he's not a sailor anymore, I'm pretty sure he'd still love him.
Lastly, Ryuji is such a sweetheart. When he confronted Norobu after him and Fusako found out what Norobu did, my heart melt.
I believe Noboru wouldn't be a disturbing child if it was not bcs of his choice in friends. The chief gives this kind of idea that a man should be tough and never settle down. In other words, toxic masculinity and I'm not sure what's the word for degrading someone that share the same gender as them. I also read an article that Noboru and his friends is like a cult which now I can see it bcs of that one particular part in this book. As I said before, I don't think Noboru wouldn't be a disturbing child if he hadn't met the chief and the other numbers. I think deep down, Noboru still believes that what the chief said is bullshit. For example, he got overreacted when he heard one of the numbers' dad hit him. IMO, bcs of the chief, the others became toxic. The real villain in this story is the chief. And if it weren't for the chief, Norobu would be happy to have Ryuji as his father. Even though he's not a sailor anymore, I'm pretty sure he'd still love him.
Lastly, Ryuji is such a sweetheart. When he confronted Norobu after him and Fusako found out what Norobu did, my heart melt.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Gore
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Domestic abuse and Rape