Reviews tagging 'Death'

Shadow Life by Hiromi Goto

23 reviews

paigieodo's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Goto’s stories feel like they belong in a visual medium. Her imagination is deeply sensory, and though her writing is strong, I was excited to read a graphic novel whose story was dictated by Goto, but brought to life by illustration. Xu’s art gives majesty to this story. I was so delighted by this loving tale about an older woman facing death. The characters are so alive. The plot is gorgeously constructed. I am a big fan.

*Story Graph doesn’t let me add any water/drowning related content warnings, but it’s there. It’s on the stronger side of moderate.

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readingwithkt's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

SHADOW LIFE by Hiromi Goto, illustrated by Ann Xu tells the story of 76-year old Kumiko who escapes the assisted living home her daughters set her up in and goes to live on her own terms. Keeping her location a secret while remaining in contact with her daughter, Kumiko finds joy in the little things. Going to the library, for a swim in the local pool, and in setting up her new home and living her life as she pleases. (Gotta say: love this energy) 
 
However, Kumiko soon realises that Death’s Shadow has followed her from her last residence and she’s on a mission to shake it off her back. 
 
Honestly really enjoyed this one! It maintained a lighthearted tone (even making me laugh) while also exploring some deeper and more challenging topics. Kumiko was such a lovable character! And I was fully rooting for her throughout. 
 
Loved the artwork too! Truly beautiful monochrome drawings which just brought this story to life in the most wonderful way. 

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redrosemoth's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0


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nikspandya's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

This was just amazing. I loved reading about an elderly MC dead set on living her life. Highly recommend!

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emily_mh's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The plot of this graphic novel starts off gentle, setting up a solid foundation for the rest of the narrative to take place. Then suddenly the action begins and the stakes are so high that you are captivated and racing to finish, even when there are slower moments. This book is also heavily character motivated, with the focus on MC Kumiko.

Having an elderly MC being written with such respect by the author was amazing. Kumiko was so dynamic: steadfast and funny, full of love and grief. I loved her resolve and sheer determination. I loved that this book showed her joys and disasters. I’ve never had the pleasure of reading an elderly character written this way before; it’s how it should always be done.

The community that built up around Kumiko was so wonderful, full of community love, neighbourly love, family love, and queer love too.

Even though this book is about death, it doesn’t read as heavy. It actually has a really hopeful outlook on death; the reason Kumiko is fighting it is not because she is scared but because she doesn’t feel like it’s her time to go. Yet neither does the narrative brush over the crushing emotional impact of death on those still living. It strikes a careful balance between the two that as a reader I found validating, yet palatable. 

I think the black-and-white colour palette was actually such a good choice for the book, matching its morbid and at times somber tone. And of course, I love Anne Xu’s art style, particularly her use of thin line weight.

As a final note, my favourite quote from the book was: “More of us feel closer to death than we have ever felt, but it is possible to live vibrantly, even near Death’s shadow.”

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chaoticnostalgia's review against another edition

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emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25


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ynotlime's review against another edition

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fast-paced

4.5


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mossgoblins's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5


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tinymatriarch's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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limina's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This was a wonderful book. It has a wonderful emotional depth and intelligence. Goto's portrayal of an older non-white female protagonist is so different from much of modern media, and I found it very refreshing. I also loved the illustration, I found it to be very endearing. I would 100% recommend this book to read. 

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