A review by mahiyaa
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

challenging emotional tense 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

i've never read a book that encapsulates what it means to heal as much as this one. healing is painful, and hard, and saddening, and it will never truly stop hurting, but you will be happier for it. so much to say here about motherhood and regret and the cyclical nature of generational abuse—what are we if not the echoes of the ghosts among us?—but sometimes those echoes culminate in a song truly beautiful.

i don't know. reading this has made me absolutely incoherent (in the best way). i think if you've ever had to heal a relationship with a family member the same way misaki has, with either a parent or spouse, this one will hurt different. i know it did for me. healing is an ugly, gruesome thing. and i'm glad this book did it justice.
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