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afi_whatafireads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There's something almost ethereal but also very grounding to Banana Yoshimoto's writing. This book, despite it being a short read, packs with everything, emotion-wise, theme-wise, and above all, it somehow relieved me of the sadness that is within me and comforted me in a sense that I can't fathom.
"But I have my life, I’m living it. It’s twisted, exhausting, uncertain, and full of guilt, but nonetheless, there’s something there. And that something is always greater than these emotions of mine.”
The Lake has a simple prose, where Chihiro who just lost her mother fell in love with her neighbour, Nakajima, who had experienced a very traumatic childhood; and these two lives intertwined with one another. A story of grief, loss, hope, handling trauma and overall, touching the quiet sadness that we hold in our hearts, and mostly of love.
Personal Ratings : 4.5🌟
I didn't expect to love this book as much as I thought I would. I came in with no expectations and came out feeling...... healed, in a sense that Banana Yoshimoto's writing worked to untangle whatever complicated feelings that I had in my heart. This book is so simple , and the fact that its just a short read, and yet; it held everything, from social critics, to relationships between parents, of budding love, of trauma and implications, to drug usage, depression; like I said EVERYTHING . Surprising how this short novel had hooked me and tore me apart only to put me whole again.
Honestly I can't unveil much of the plot, but, just know that, go into this at a time where you need something to ground you in life. I feel that Yoshimoto excels in writing stories that slowly disentangle your woes and lays it out one by one, leaving you stripped, bare and forcing you to acknowledge your feelings in a gentle way. Her writings are quiet and peaceful and yet it speaks volume, and that is how I know how good the author is. The ability to pull a reader in and make it seemed like they're reading in a dream, but also pulls you in to the reality that is harsh.
"So there’s actually a reason for someone like me to exist in this world. Even before I start thinking about stuff like that, whether there is or isn’t a reason, in some place that exists prior to such thoughts, an enormous wheel is spinning, and I’m caught up inescapably in its motion.”
Highly recommended and I am absolutely in love with this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis