linguaphile412's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Gun violence, Ableism, Racism, Violence, and Genocide
Moderate: Infidelity and War
Minor: Death of parent
sydapel's review
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Short and yet deeply contemplative, I was really fascinated by the deep level of observance and perception Kitamura extends to her main character and by extension, the reader. A book about the language and behavior of others, it also speaks about being at a crossroads so powerfully, even if the ending wasn't what I was expecting or maybe hoped for. I really found myself immersed in this person's mind and experiences, and if you're looking for something short to sink into, this is perfect.
Moderate: War, Violence, Racism, Murder, Gun violence, Genocide, and Hate crime
bjorksbutterfly's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Genocide, Racism, and War
mmccombs's review
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
This was a quiet and striking read. I really loved everything about it: the prose, the atmosphere, and the story. The reminded me a lot of Brandon Taylor’s writing, a small, focused character study that packs unexpected punches. So many poignant observations about language, art, relationships, and what it means to be home. What a special gem!
Moderate: Genocide, Racism, and Violence
kateali's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Xenophobia, Racism, and Genocide
quickermorequickly's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Short, thoughtful read about the space between languages, between individual people— even between national jurisdictions (our scene is among the elite interpreters at The Hague, who interpret proceedings in international court). Our heroine even spends weeks alone at someone else's apartment, among unfamiliar belongings. There are big questions here on what human beings owe one another.
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Genocide
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Pregnancy, Racism, Sexism, War, and Infidelity
Minor: Sexual content and Sexual violence
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