parue's review
4.0
I read this short story on tor.com.
I enjoy reading stories about mythological creatures, and this one didn't disappoint.
I enjoy reading stories about mythological creatures, and this one didn't disappoint.
malglories's review
3.0
a fine enough story, with some beautiful writing, but ultimately i found "a cup of salt tears" rather lackluster, as if it didn't quite delve into all the meaning that it could have.
decide for yourself here.
decide for yourself here.
slavicreader's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
What a strange short story. I wasn't sure what I expected from it, and I'm also unsure what it left me with. It might be one of those reads that flew over my head a bit. If anyone asked me to describe the story to them, I'd probably struggle after the initial set up.
Kappas are not creatures we see often in modern literature, so it was interesting to read about one. Not sure if it was romanticised exactly, or whether its nature is just strange enough to not be comprehensible by a rational mind. Due to this, I wouldn't jump to label this as 'monster romance'.
Kappas are not creatures we see often in modern literature, so it was interesting to read about one. Not sure if it was romanticised exactly, or whether its nature is just strange enough to not be comprehensible by a rational mind. Due to this, I wouldn't jump to label this as 'monster romance'.
kirii's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
heyitsjude's review
3.0
A bittersweet and atmospheric tale of a girl who encounters a monster from her past.
One day Makino is approached by a kappa who claims to have known her as a little girl. Makino, who is now an adult is currently grieving as her husband is terminally ill. The kappa relishes in her misery and continues to visit Makino. He offers his aid, but it will come at a great cost to her.
Honestly, I had more questions than answers after reading this quick story. The overall mood was eerie and well written even though the authors writing style is fairly simple. I didn’t know much about Kappas so reading about them was interesting. It’s one of those books with a slightly open ending? It leaves you with more to think about and interpret after reading. It was okay. It’s not what I usually read, but I wanted something quick to get out of my reading slump. 3/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
shahdm895's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
morcabre's review
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.25
nisha_nee's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
4.0
A Cup of Salt Tears by Isabel Yap is a short, melancholic read about a woman grieving her husband's poor health, fearing his imminent death. She enters an onsen where she meets a kappa who told her that he loves her.
The most notable thing about this short work is the author's writing. Isabel Yap is able to weave words that are atmospheric and surprisingly melancholic, in a short amount of time. At times it felt eerie and disconcerting but also sensual and nostalgic. It was like watching a short film playing in my head. There's something about monsters used in stories to mean something that just tickles my brain, and that open ending definitely leaves a lot of food for thought. I will be sure to read more of this author's longer works because I can't get enough out of this one.
The most notable thing about this short work is the author's writing. Isabel Yap is able to weave words that are atmospheric and surprisingly melancholic, in a short amount of time. At times it felt eerie and disconcerting but also sensual and nostalgic. It was like watching a short film playing in my head. There's something about monsters used in stories to mean something that just tickles my brain, and that open ending definitely leaves a lot of food for thought. I will be sure to read more of this author's longer works because I can't get enough out of this one.