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telltalepage's review against another edition
5.0
This was a really good book. The story was realistic and touching - I really enjoyed the aspect of an older main character (especially after reading the author's afterward) and the art style supplemented the story beautifully. I really enjoyed the organic, hidden ways that the "death" character showed up on the pages (especially the two different instances of cats in the round window, just watch for it!) and how emotional and poignant the story was all around.
zabcia's review against another edition
4.0
88%
You don't often see the elderly featured in media, but our main character here is a vibrant 76 year-old woman with a heart of solid gold. I really appreciate that this book didn't try to glorify old age, but rather embraced its shortcomings with positivity and openness (yes you probably will pee yourself, no it's not the end of the world). I think we could all stand to learn something from this book.
You don't often see the elderly featured in media, but our main character here is a vibrant 76 year-old woman with a heart of solid gold. I really appreciate that this book didn't try to glorify old age, but rather embraced its shortcomings with positivity and openness (yes you probably will pee yourself, no it's not the end of the world). I think we could all stand to learn something from this book.
alouette's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.75
i love the words from the author at the end- "it is possible to live vibrantly, even near Death's shadow". this graphic novel is wonderfully inventive and close to home, both physically and emotionally, so i enjoyed it greatly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
erine's review against another edition
4.0
Elderly Kumiko breaks out of her assisted living facility, finds her own place to hole up away from her daughters, and begins her final adventures. In an effort to escape Death just a little longer, Kumiko vacuums up Death's shadow and seals it in her cannister vacuum with salt. Her adventures consist of swimming, purchasing this bargain vacuum, and making friends with the "nice meddler" neighbors. But when Death truly comes to seek her out, Kumiko fights for more time.
Throughout the story, Kumiko fights for autonomy as she continues to pursue small joys.
Throughout the story, Kumiko fights for autonomy as she continues to pursue small joys.
amih's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-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
5.0
tjkaiser's review against another edition
4.25
Quite slow at the beginning but I found myself getting more and more invested. The back half is sooo strong.
rtwa's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
tiedyedude's review against another edition
4.0
A very cool graphic novel about a badass elderly woman who battles against the spirit of death and ageist prejudice to eek out a little more time on Earth. A fun, feisty lead and an excellent story. There were some supernatural events that were hard to interpret with the black-and-white color scheme and sketchy art style, and a few deep themes of identity that were only hinted at, but still very enjoyable.
eliathereader's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? No
3.0