lyd41's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed. I was apprehensive at first about the whole story supposedly centering around finding the 'Why' to Miwako's suicide. Once I started reading, though, I was relieved. This was nothing like thirteen reasons why, no romanticization. (It didn't even focus that much on finding out why.) It was more like a character study, a psychological analyzation of how we deal with trauma, and the baggage that we all carry. The story was told in three separate parts, from each protagonist's POV. I enjoyed seeing three different perspectives of relation to Miwako. The characters are what sold me on this book, they're all very well written. The writing is beautiful: relflective prose, with 2/3 parts being in third pov. My critiques are that the three parts attempted to connect an overarching storyline, creating much suspense and build up, but it failed toward the end. The ending rushed and left me wanting more closure and explanation.
Even though I would have enjoyed a traditional book where the story was told from Miwako's point of view, I think I prefer how this author layed it out, as it created much more curiosity and suspense.
Notes to keep in mind when looking to read this book:
This book is set in Japan and includes all traditional aspects of Japanese etiquette and culture. It may be confusing for some who don't know much of the social culture.
This book is angsty. Very Angsty. Top tier angst. Very possibly triggering things. Check content warnings.
Even though I would have enjoyed a traditional book where the story was told from Miwako's point of view, I think I prefer how this author layed it out, as it created much more curiosity and suspense.
Notes to keep in mind when looking to read this book:
This book is set in Japan and includes all traditional aspects of Japanese etiquette and culture. It may be confusing for some who don't know much of the social culture.
This book is angsty. Very Angsty. Top tier angst. Very possibly triggering things. Check content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Car accident, Deadnaming, Abortion, Death of parent, Grief, Mental illness, Misogyny, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Cancer, Rape, Fatphobia, Sexual content, and Transphobia
Minor: Outing, Adult/minor relationship, Dysphoria, and Alcohol
More...