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cheye13's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
From the synopsis, I expected this to have some kind of twist rather than events playing out in such a realistic manner. I got no real message from this story except "patriarchy, huh?" which I've seen done much better elsewhere. I went in looking for some kind of messed up or twisted relationship between two women and it ended up hinging on a man anyway.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Sexism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Violence
booksjessreads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I felt this was a really interesting take on the pressures of women in Japanese society portrayed through a voyeuristic lens. There was a lot of underlying discourse on pressures of women to adhere to certain appearances, to behave and act in certain ways, the insidiousness of gossiping and workplace culture for women, and just generally how women are critiqued in every aspect of their every day life. The voyeuristic lens only amplified the intensity of this culture.
One thing that made me dislike this was the ending. I understand why The Woman in the Yellow Cardigan ended up 'taking the place of' the Woman in the Purple Skirt because it represented the idea that so many women spend their entire life wanting to be other women or wanting aspects of other women's lives. But I also felt that the way in which the plot just made the Woman in the Purple skirt disappear and I found that plot line to be a little strange. This just took away from the story for me, but still found the concepts really interesting.
Overall, would really recommend.
One thing that made me dislike this was the ending.
Overall, would really recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming and Stalking
Moderate: Infidelity and Sexism
Minor: Violence