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liesthemoontells's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a quick, entertaining read, although I don't understand the level of hype around it.
The book was adapted from a play the author wrote, and the structure and format of the play is still evident in the way the chapters form separate vignettes, the small cast of characters, the single set, and the use of (sometimes redundant) repetition to set the scene.
The cafe is lovingly described, down to the tiny details, and is the most fully fleshed out character in the novel. In contrast, the human characters that inhabit seem transient and lack dimension. To me they felt like undeveloped archetypes who existed only to explore conceit of the novel.
If the concept of the story interests you, I think it is explored well enough (and the length of the book is brief enough) that it's worth picking up. However, I don't feel the need to pick up any of the sequels.
The book was adapted from a play the author wrote, and the structure and format of the play is still evident in the way the chapters form separate vignettes, the small cast of characters, the single set, and the use of (sometimes redundant) repetition to set the scene.
The cafe is lovingly described, down to the tiny details, and is the most fully fleshed out character in the novel. In contrast, the human characters that inhabit seem transient and lack dimension. To me they felt like undeveloped archetypes who existed only to explore conceit of the novel.
If the concept of the story interests you, I think it is explored well enough (and the length of the book is brief enough) that it's worth picking up. However, I don't feel the need to pick up any of the sequels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Terminal illness, Dementia, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
gossameralbum's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i didn't particularly care for the first or third story, however the second story made me silently cry, my heart broke into pieces when i realized what was happening in the last one.
fumiko's story felt so superficial and shallow that i didn't know if i was going to continue reading the book however, as pages go by you end up loving the characters as if they're a part of your life. i'd say it's a book worth reading as it is very atmospheric and it makes you reflect & feel a certain tenderness about living.
fumiko's story felt so superficial and shallow that i didn't know if i was going to continue reading the book however, as pages go by you end up loving the characters as if they're a part of your life. i'd say it's a book worth reading as it is very atmospheric and it makes you reflect & feel a certain tenderness about living.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Dementia, Grief, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Gun violence and Car accident
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