jacss's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Listened to audiobook through Nextory.
"The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida" is part coming of age love story, part trauma lore. When Miwako Sumida commits suicide, it comes as a surprise to her friends. The story recounts how they all met, and concludes with a final meeting and passing of Miwako.
A few takeaways:
- The sister, Fumi, is a transwoman and I thought her depiction was effortless. She was respected as a female character by the author, and it shows. I thought this was more tasteful than other similar books, such as Kitchen, for instance. I also appreciated that being trans, was not the only characteristic that Fumi received, she was a fully fledged character, and not a token of any sort.
- I enjoyed the setting of a Tokyo book, grabbing the map and traveling with them where the book was clear enough.
- I am not sure if Ryusei is dead. Did he also receive the curse? Or has he killed himself to be with Miwako? Or just let himself die after getting sick on the mountain. Not sure.
It was a quick listen, about 9 hours in 2 days and I enjoyed it.
"The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida" is part coming of age love story, part trauma lore. When Miwako Sumida commits suicide, it comes as a surprise to her friends. The story recounts how they all met, and concludes with a final meeting and passing of Miwako.
Spoiler
A few takeaways:
- The sister, Fumi, is a transwoman and I thought her depiction was effortless. She was respected as a female character by the author, and it shows. I thought this was more tasteful than other similar books, such as Kitchen, for instance. I also appreciated that being trans, was not the only characteristic that Fumi received, she was a fully fledged character, and not a token of any sort.
- I enjoyed the setting of a Tokyo book, grabbing the map and traveling with them where the book was clear enough.
- I am not sure if Ryusei is dead. Did he also receive the curse? Or has he killed himself to be with Miwako? Or just let himself die after getting sick on the mountain. Not sure.
It was a quick listen, about 9 hours in 2 days and I enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Rape
flattrash's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Pregnancy, Terminal illness, Sexual content, Abortion, Blood, Suicide, Bullying, Car accident, Death, Incest, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Rape
beccaeye'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
killertomes's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
4.5
monicatdwyer's review against another edition
4.0
I can’t tell if this a 3 or 4 stars. But I devoured it and found it very interesting. This is the third book I’ve read that’s set in modern Tokyo and it’s a really engaging context.
butch's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
rwidiani's review against another edition
3.0
I’d like to give it a 4, because it’s written so well and clear, yet I find the ending too abruptly