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whatisjordyreading's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
- screaming crying throwing uppp
- some parts reminded me of jesus' journey to crucifixion-- not in an off-putting way but in a literature-referencing-literature kind of way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Death, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
ageismbookbrig's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I laughed out loud several times while reading this, and I fell in love with Kumiko. I don't think I quite got the full picture of the ending, but it was still such a great read! It's a mixture of humor and worry and care and irritation all bound up in one fairly simple story. I particularly loved the art style for the shadow and its creatures.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Blood and Death of parent
talonsontypewriters's review
emotional
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Medical content
Moderate: Cancer, Terminal illness, Blood, Dementia, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
Nonsexual nudity. Spiders.mephistofelix's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Terminal illness, Car accident, and Death of parent
Moderate: Cancer, Forced institutionalization, and Dementia
Minor: Body horror, Child death, Blood, and War
hflh's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Overall
I loved every part of this book right down to the author's note. It's funny, tender, and wonderfully queer. This book delivers on what the blurb promises and then some and I would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for queer representation, likes more surrealist magical realism and maybe a bit of the supernatural, and loves a good lovable but flawed older woman main character. The narrative is tight (though fast-paced if that doesn't suit you) and the characters are well-defined in a short time.
The Art
The art is great, especially if you like a simple, flow-y style. I really enjoyed Ann Xu's paneling and the use of the colour black in and between panels. If you are like me, you will also appreciate the unapologetic and non-sexualized portrayal of women's bodies, particularly older ones.
An added bonus: Comments on aging and caring for aging relatives
My enjoyment and rating stand without this element, so I'd still recommend the book if this part doesn't speak to you.
Among the magical realism elements and the interactions between Kumiko and her daughter, Goto explores some of the mental and physical challenges with aging, including the desire to keep your independence in a body that is not always on your side. Goto also explores the frustrations for caretakers when trying to care for stubborn loved ones who can struggle to care for themselves, including the challenge of finding the balance between caretaking and leaving space for their autonomy. This really resonated with me as someone helping care for a grandmother with dementia who falls frequently but can't admit it or accept help. It was also a good reminder that this struggle is hard for both of us.
But what I really appreciated was that Goto explores these topics within the space of magical realism, allowing for things to still feel light and have an unambiguous happy ending. Kumiko still has physical autonomy and when she's forgetful or seeing supernatural things, it's not because she's losing her mental faculties. For me at least, this made these parts of the narrative cathartic without making me feel heavy or depressed.
-------------------------
Also the book is set in Vancouver, BC if that's something that interests you - but non-Vancouverites won't be missing anything without that background :)
I loved every part of this book right down to the author's note. It's funny, tender, and wonderfully queer. This book delivers on what the blurb promises and then some and I would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for queer representation, likes more surrealist magical realism and maybe a bit of the supernatural, and loves a good lovable but flawed older woman main character. The narrative is tight (though fast-paced if that doesn't suit you) and the characters are well-defined in a short time.
The Art
The art is great, especially if you like a simple, flow-y style. I really enjoyed Ann Xu's paneling and the use of the colour black in and between panels. If you are like me, you will also appreciate the unapologetic and non-sexualized portrayal of women's bodies, particularly older ones.
An added bonus: Comments on aging and caring for aging relatives
My enjoyment and rating stand without this element, so I'd still recommend the book if this part doesn't speak to you.
Among the magical realism elements and the interactions between Kumiko and her daughter, Goto explores some of the mental and physical challenges with aging, including the desire to keep your independence in a body that is not always on your side. Goto also explores the frustrations for caretakers when trying to care for stubborn loved ones who can struggle to care for themselves, including the challenge of finding the balance between caretaking and leaving space for their autonomy. This really resonated with me as someone helping care for a grandmother with dementia who falls frequently but can't admit it or accept help. It was also a good reminder that this struggle is hard for both of us.
But what I really appreciated was that Goto explores these topics within the space of magical realism, allowing for things to still feel light and have an unambiguous happy ending. Kumiko still has physical autonomy and when she's forgetful or seeing supernatural things, it's not because she's losing her mental faculties. For me at least, this made these parts of the narrative cathartic without making me feel heavy or depressed.
-------------------------
Also the book is set in Vancouver, BC if that's something that interests you - but non-Vancouverites won't be missing anything without that background :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Dementia, Grief, Death of parent, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Terminal illness, Blood, Medical content, Car accident, and Injury/Injury detail
readingwithkt's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Medical content, and Car accident
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Forced institutionalization
redrosemoth's review
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Medical content, Car accident, and Death of parent
nikspandya's review against another edition
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
emily_mh's review against another edition
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.”
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.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Medical content, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Animal death, Cursing, Drug use, Gore, Terminal illness, Excrement, Vomit, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: drowning, loss of a loved one Minor: reference to the Canadian Japanese imprisonment camps, chronic painbrogan7's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
I really enjoyed this book and it is also a hard read because it portrays an elderly woman with dementia who runs away from an assisted living facility and that portrayal is pretty much victorious and unambiguously "good"...whereas the reality of what families go through to secure assistance for their loved ones and the balance of choices to assess risk versus freedom or safety versus independence....is not adequately considered in this book.
The illustrations are outstanding and the expressions in the character's faces and body language are just so life-like. It truly gives a sense of "animation."
The fantastical/magical aspects were sometimes confusing to me (I wasn't sure what I was looking at), but I enjoyed the fluidity between real and not-real.
The illustrations are outstanding and the expressions in the character's faces and body language are just so life-like. It truly gives a sense of "animation."
The fantastical/magical aspects were sometimes confusing to me (I wasn't sure what I was looking at), but I enjoyed the fluidity between real and not-real.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia and Death of parent