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pagpangarap's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
the light motif was absolutely gorgeous, and the prose had me strung along althroughout the story. a lot of the content and the message is implied rather than explicitly stated, which made it all the more beautiful. mieko kawakami is extremely talented and i wish i could read this in japanese some day <3
i ached so deeply for fuyuko throughout the story, especially because it seemed like she couldn’t catch a break until the story’s conclusion. the ending leaves a little to be desired and i’m really curious about mitsutsuka’s truth, but i suppose that the mystery is just a part of the sensation of lacking closure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Vomit
Moderate: Sexual content
soyboysimon's review against another edition
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Didn't love this, I feel truly neutral about it. Its like i was reading only to get to the end of it. i didn't connect with any of the characters or their problems, the main characters troubles seemed self-inflicted, and I absolutely hate the way it talks about—or rather doesn't talk about—mental health.
The main character is dealing with a number of things,anxiety, depression, alcoholism, an eating disorder, recovery from rape , but they are presented as being normal parts of life that she has to conquer on her own, without help, before she can let herself be loved. Its sick and twisted to me, it wasn't good for me, I don't recommend it if you deal with any of these problems.
The main character is dealing with a number of things,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Rape, Vomit, Car accident, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
h4rmione's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
this book is for the lonely girlies <33 TW: this book has a brief yet graphic description of SA
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Rape, Vomit, and Alcohol
pikkumarja's review
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
At first I loved this book but then there was a long period of words and pages I did not love - it was just okay. All the drinking and alcohol was a bit of a jumpscare and all the beautiful words about loneliness and the chaotic, yet so quiet world, were buried deep behind the drunk thoughts.
When the book came closer to the end I fell in love with it again. Ending was really a beautifully written piece of modern literature.
When the book came closer to the end I fell in love with it again. Ending was really a beautifully written piece of modern literature.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit and Alcohol
Moderate: Car accident
cassiewbee's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Vomit, and Alcohol
srhdnshj's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I DON‘T KNOW AHHH, I don’t know if I like or dislike the book. It definitely did cause strong (mixed) emotions and I do have the wish to discuss every sentence of this book with someone. But at the same time most of the book was just the main character existing (not even living, her main flaw). (You do have to like these kind of books.)
I personally read the book quite fast since in my opinion the German version is well written/translated. It had a nice flow.
I personally read the book quite fast since in my opinion the German version is well written/translated. It had a nice flow.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Misogyny and Vomit
alexandrabelze's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
my favorite kawakami novel by far! this one was so emotional and beautiful. i wanted nothing but the best for fuyuko the entire time and was absolutely devastated by the ending . i was not expecting to like this one as much as i did because of how i felt about kawakami’s other novels. i definitely will be recommending this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual content, Vomit, and Alcohol
Moderate: Death
Minor: Bullying, Cancer, Suicide, Car accident, and Pregnancy
zenyeg's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
Moderate: Rape
blau_elmo's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was my introduction to Mieko Kawakami's writing, and it was quite a compelling read.
The plot is heavily character driven, focusing on the inner turmoil/depression of the protagonist. Covering themes of loneliness, love, affection and women's role in society, as well as mental health, the events of the book are shaded in this pervasive darkness, one that clings onto you like smoke.
A bit slow at times, the book is short and the narrative tight such that it does not overstay its welcome. I will be looking to read more of her stuff in the future.
The plot is heavily character driven, focusing on the inner turmoil/depression of the protagonist. Covering themes of loneliness, love, affection and women's role in society, as well as mental health, the events of the book are shaded in this pervasive darkness, one that clings onto you like smoke.
A bit slow at times, the book is short and the narrative tight such that it does not overstay its welcome. I will be looking to read more of her stuff in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism and Mental illness
Minor: Vomit
jalien's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Rape, and Vomit