leavesofmaple's review against another edition
3.0
Banana Yoshimoto's Hardboiled and Hard luck are two short stories following the lives of two women living in rural Japan as they grapple with the jarring reality of loss and grief.
While I thoroughly enjoyed reading Yoshimoto's works, there were times I found the writing to have awkward "gaps" in grammar and sentence structure. I'm assuming that this flaw is due to difficulties in translation. It was unfortunate that this flaw in writing, despite small, was prevalent throughout both short stories, resulting in a choppy and at times jarring reading experience, in an otherwise excellent narration.
However, it is important to note that this did not deter me from being immersed in the calm, and subtle way Yoshimoto lulls you in to the world of her characters.
While I thoroughly enjoyed reading Yoshimoto's works, there were times I found the writing to have awkward "gaps" in grammar and sentence structure. I'm assuming that this flaw is due to difficulties in translation. It was unfortunate that this flaw in writing, despite small, was prevalent throughout both short stories, resulting in a choppy and at times jarring reading experience, in an otherwise excellent narration.
However, it is important to note that this did not deter me from being immersed in the calm, and subtle way Yoshimoto lulls you in to the world of her characters.
njw13's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
xoopa's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
emma_honner's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
dearhhound27's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
esherwoo's review against another edition
reflective
4.0
wow i didnt think this would make me cry but i did shed a tear at the end, that was beautiful
anahhs's review against another edition
4.0
3.8/5* it's the way banana yoshimoto writes about loneliness, feeling lost, loss and grief in a gentle yet impactful manner. i love her writing so much.
"because i knew that for the time being i had no choice- i had to live in this night- i was like someone so sick with fever that she can't remember what it feels like to be healthy." ...
"because i knew that for the time being i had no choice- i had to live in this night- i was like someone so sick with fever that she can't remember what it feels like to be healthy." ...
lenasch's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
4.25
ruaaa's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0