A review by jacss
The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida by Clarissa Goenawan
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Listened to audiobook through Nextory.
"The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida" is part coming of age love story, part trauma lore. When Miwako Sumida commits suicide, it comes as a surprise to her friends. The story recounts how they all met, and concludes with a final meeting and passing of Miwako.
A few takeaways:
- The sister, Fumi, is a transwoman and I thought her depiction was effortless. She was respected as a female character by the author, and it shows. I thought this was more tasteful than other similar books, such as Kitchen, for instance. I also appreciated that being trans, was not the only characteristic that Fumi received, she was a fully fledged character, and not a token of any sort.
- I enjoyed the setting of a Tokyo book, grabbing the map and traveling with them where the book was clear enough.
- I am not sure if Ryusei is dead. Did he also receive the curse? Or has he killed himself to be with Miwako? Or just let himself die after getting sick on the mountain. Not sure.
It was a quick listen, about 9 hours in 2 days and I enjoyed it.
"The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida" is part coming of age love story, part trauma lore. When Miwako Sumida commits suicide, it comes as a surprise to her friends. The story recounts how they all met, and concludes with a final meeting and passing of Miwako.
Spoiler
A few takeaways:
- The sister, Fumi, is a transwoman and I thought her depiction was effortless. She was respected as a female character by the author, and it shows. I thought this was more tasteful than other similar books, such as Kitchen, for instance. I also appreciated that being trans, was not the only characteristic that Fumi received, she was a fully fledged character, and not a token of any sort.
- I enjoyed the setting of a Tokyo book, grabbing the map and traveling with them where the book was clear enough.
- I am not sure if Ryusei is dead. Did he also receive the curse? Or has he killed himself to be with Miwako? Or just let himself die after getting sick on the mountain. Not sure.
It was a quick listen, about 9 hours in 2 days and I enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Rape