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alexandrabelze's review
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
my favorite kawakami novel by far! this one was so emotional and beautiful. i wanted nothing but the best for fuyuko the entire time and was absolutely devastated by the ending . i was not expecting to like this one as much as i did because of how i felt about kawakami’s other novels. i definitely will be recommending this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual content, Vomit, and Alcohol
Moderate: Death
Minor: Bullying, Cancer, Suicide, Car accident, and Pregnancy
mmefish's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
What the hell did I just read. Don't know if it's genius or completely pointless.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Rape
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Cancer, Sexual content, and Car accident
aude's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Rape, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content and Vomit
Minor: Cancer, Car accident, and Pregnancy
robinks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My first Kawakami! The story reminded me a bit of Murakami: beautiful descriptions of scenes, interesting philosophical questions, and a protagonist who is very passive. It was refreshing to have a female protagonist though, and I liked the commentary on feminism presented through Fuyuko’s interactions with and about Hijiri. Fuyuko and Hijiri initially had a bit of a romantic connection, and I would’ve loved to see that fleshed out. I was a little disturbed by the final argument between Fuyuko and Hijiri and how they became friends from that, and the age gap between Fuyuko and Matsutsuka creeped me out. I was also pleased to see Fuyuko’s growth at the end, but it felt rushed, especially with the time skip that we didn’t get to see.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Vomit, and Alcohol
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, and Dysphoria
Minor: Body shaming, Cancer, Fatphobia, Sexual content, and Pregnancy