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annaviljalyydia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
blkzk's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Stressedddddd and confused reading this
sofiaw88's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
papiervolant's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jennai's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
flyingtortoise's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
solitary's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars*
i personally think this book is meant to be read without questioning the main character's lies — more specifically how she managed to pull them off — because otherwise, you’ll end up with never-ending questions, and that's not the book’s point.
pregnancy and motherhood are obviously the two major themes here, despite shibata not being pregnant at all. it sheds light on the hardship that women experience during and even after giving birth — both the physical and the mental labor of it. as shibata's lies go on, she notices an amelioration in her lifestyle and the way she is being treated at work. this demonstrates the unequal treatment women are subjected to, which only changes when they are deemed to be fulfilling their “job” by bearing a child for their husband.
the inequality continues even after childbirth. it is considered by default a woman's job to take care of the baby, while the husband goes to work. the baby's needs, accompanied by the responsibility of doing the domestic chores, all fall under the wife's burden. and when a man provides aid, he is praised for “helping”, as if it wasn't part of his duties at all. this has been thoroughly discussed by shibata and her pregnant friend, which elucidates the harsh realities of motherhood and marriage.
in all honesty, i did not find shibata's character very likable. her lies, her rather poor treatment of her coworker, and some of her slightly violent thoughts don't exactly paint her as a good person. the ending could've taken a different direction that would personally be more satisfying, but overall it’s a calm and interesting read.
i personally think this book is meant to be read without questioning the main character's lies — more specifically how she managed to pull them off — because otherwise, you’ll end up with never-ending questions, and that's not the book’s point.
pregnancy and motherhood are obviously the two major themes here, despite shibata not being pregnant at all. it sheds light on the hardship that women experience during and even after giving birth — both the physical and the mental labor of it. as shibata's lies go on, she notices an amelioration in her lifestyle and the way she is being treated at work. this demonstrates the unequal treatment women are subjected to, which only changes when they are deemed to be fulfilling their “job” by bearing a child for their husband.
the inequality continues even after childbirth. it is considered by default a woman's job to take care of the baby, while the husband goes to work. the baby's needs, accompanied by the responsibility of doing the domestic chores, all fall under the wife's burden. and when a man provides aid, he is praised for “helping”, as if it wasn't part of his duties at all. this has been thoroughly discussed by shibata and her pregnant friend, which elucidates the harsh realities of motherhood and marriage.
in all honesty, i did not find shibata's character very likable. her lies, her rather poor treatment of her coworker, and some of her slightly violent thoughts don't exactly paint her as a good person. the ending could've taken a different direction that would personally be more satisfying, but overall it’s a calm and interesting read.