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
roza97's review
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
I saw someone reading this along with A little life..and it seemed if I liked that then I'll like this too..so I picked it up thinking if i like the first page I'll continue..if not then nope.
I was surprised how easy to read this was!! Given the dark or sad topics the book deals with.. it's odd to find it easy to read in between finals. However it worked as a little break and a relaxing read at the end.
Apart from the characters..what caught me is the twists? I don't know how to feel about them..when the twists came it was like why didn't I see it coming for how obvious it was..but that was the point of it i reckon.
Certain aspects of this book reminded me of Norwegian Wood..to such extent that it was as if I was reading about Toru's yearning for Naoko all over again.
It felt good to see the ending being a hopeful one.
I was surprised how easy to read this was!! Given the dark or sad topics the book deals with.. it's odd to find it easy to read in between finals. However it worked as a little break and a relaxing read at the end.
Apart from the characters..what caught me is the twists? I don't know how to feel about them..when the twists came it was like why didn't I see it coming for how obvious it was..but that was the point of it i reckon.
Certain aspects of this book reminded me of Norwegian Wood..to such extent that it was as if I was reading about Toru's yearning for Naoko all over again.
It felt good to see the ending being a hopeful one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Mental illness, Sexual assault, and Suicide
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