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sfclark's review against another edition
5.0
A most pleasurable read. This presented a brief glimpse into Japan in the late 1930's as World War II was beginning, through the main character as he retreated to a small seaside town to recuperate. The tale of his time there and the personalities he came to meet and spend time with and struggle with. A treat to read because of those varied, complex personalities.
bookedupb's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
laurenjoy's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful book, absolutely wonderful. The descriptions in the book were amazing, and I understand now how much quiet strength is in the Japanese and chinese cultures.
jstark's review against another edition
5.0
This cup is like a warm cup of tea. It is a gentle read that addresses heavy themes, both heartwarming and tear-jerking. Gail Tsukiyama introduces a young man from Hong Kong whose family sends him to their beach house in Japan to recover by the sea. Set in the late 1930s, there is a backdrop of war between Japan and China. But the story is more about the people he meets in the small village on the beach and how the young man learns their stories and becomes part of their present and future. I really enjoyed this book - it felt like a soft place to land. There is some real heartbreak in this story as well as moments of peace and tranquility.
glennab28's review against another edition
3.0
good, not great. the story was simple - the love story (while perhaps it can be chalked up to 'young love') was shallow and forced. the larger story of leprosy and the effects of the disease was more compelling but ultimately didn't make for a wholly satisfying read.
gdanner's review against another edition
3.0
A book club book that I enjoyed but wouldn't say that I loved. Well written but not one that I probably would have picked for myself.
he_j's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very peaceful read focusing on a young Chinese man sent to recuperate at his grandpa's cottage near Kobe Japan, and 2 very quiet Japanese older people. The themes of the continuing Japanese invasion of China and leprosy were superseded by the wonderful characters Gail Tsukiyama fleshes out in their quiet garden moments.
ncyanuaria's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
4.0
want to reread this; this made me cry so hard, idk why, so I want to reread it to see if I will cry again
theknife's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
asnyderdietz's review against another edition
5.0
Positively loved this book. would love to read it again one day.