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lrm223's review against another edition
3.0
I think Emily Itami is a talented writer, but I don't think this book was for me. I listened to the audiobook (about 5 hours) and I really liked the narrator. I think the way she speaks matches well with Mizuki's character. Mizuki's character is not someone I could identify with; I am childfree by choice. While I can understand her inner struggle being a parent and a woman with her own interests and desires, I could not empathize with her. Since this book takes place mostly in Mizuki's inner thoughts, there is not a lot else going on to take the reader out of her head. This story has very little action; there is romance, but it is not over the top. This is the story of one woman, her thoughts, her feelings, her actions.
thepaperwitch's review against another edition
4.0
I am a little ambivalent to this book, but dont get me wrong. It is solidly written, has a socio-cultural immersion, and an examination of the female experience. All of this I enjoyed quite a bit. However, there was just something about the book that left it feeling flat to me. Maybe it was the pacing, which seemed hectic, but still somehow appropriate and reflective of Mizuki's life. Perhaps it was absorbing and empathizing with Mizuki's dilemma and position. More than likely it is my judgment on the ending--one that makes sense to the character, but that I lament.
Fault Lines is a well written book that I enjoyed all the more for the details and depth of Japanese culture it brings to life. And I have been thinking again and again about Mizuki's thoughts on motherhood, social norms and expectations, and especially on her definition of happiness and how I feel about it.
This is what makes Fault Lines a good book and an excellent choice for book clubs (that's why I ended up reading it). If you like Japanese culture, introspective characters, or a snapshot of female experience, you should pick this up.
Fault Lines is a well written book that I enjoyed all the more for the details and depth of Japanese culture it brings to life. And I have been thinking again and again about Mizuki's thoughts on motherhood, social norms and expectations, and especially on her definition of happiness and how I feel about it.
This is what makes Fault Lines a good book and an excellent choice for book clubs (that's why I ended up reading it). If you like Japanese culture, introspective characters, or a snapshot of female experience, you should pick this up.
mingz_tam's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
sunshine608's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
gallant_reviews's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. A big punch to the gut, in what reality gives us. A broken marriage and a struggling family but the courage to choose what is right for everyone. This book give me hope and sets the stage for real life scenarios. Well done.
katyboo52's review against another edition
5.0
Mizuki is a Japanese housewife. She tries her hardest to be the model wife, but she isn't very good at it and she finds herself struggling more and more with pretty much everything, until she meets Kiyoshi, a Japanese businessman who seems to see her for who she really is. Soon she is in love with him and she must make a choice. Bittersweet, charming and really well observed.
syirahreadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Reminds me of Past Lives (film). Very sweet, very well-written. Especially impressive for a debut novel.
erinrosalee's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5