Scan barcode
readerette's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book contained quite a lot more reflection and conjecture than I expected. I didn't find that particularly appealing, nor was the exceedingly matter-of-fact tone really my preference.
I enjoyed the commentary on Japan, including their struggles with nationalism (which ring true for the present American experience as well). Kido is a pretty nuanced character, and we get some depth on others too.
Overall, it's not really a story that goes anywhere, and it was easy for me to get lost as Kido worked out the "mystery." This is the the translator's first full length translation (per the book jacket), so I wonder if some of the overly staid tone, slow pace, and confusing plot points were the result of the translation rather than the author's work.
I enjoyed the commentary on Japan, including their struggles with nationalism (which ring true for the present American experience as well). Kido is a pretty nuanced character, and we get some depth on others too.
Overall, it's not really a story that goes anywhere, and it was easy for me to get lost as Kido worked out the "mystery." This is the the translator's first full length translation (per the book jacket), so I wonder if some of the overly staid tone, slow pace, and confusing plot points were the result of the translation rather than the author's work.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Death, Suicide attempt, Xenophobia, Infidelity, Murder, and Racism
More...