A review by tessdaisy
The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida by Clarissa Goenawan
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
Beautifully written, with expertly crafted characters. Threw me right into Miwako Sumida’s life in late 80s Tokyo. I connected to Ryusei, Chie, Miwako and most importantly, Fumi in a way that felt like they were real. I also appreciated how it was a book about a suicide, but it wasn’t at all graphic or triggering. A new favourite of mine for sure.
Spoiler
The last few pages are written so beautifully, and it can be interpreted that it’s Fumi feeling completely at peace as being a woman, ending her battle with her gender identity and passing the curse to the real firstborn som, and also the end of Ryusei’s battle with grief, finally appreciating one last visit from Miwako before she goes onto another life
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Suicide, and Death
Minor: Cancer, Pregnancy, Abortion, and Death of parent
The book is about a suicide and how it affects the people surrounding the deceased, but the way in which Miwako kills herself is never went into excruciating detail on.