Reviews with content warning for Stalking - Kitchen

kitchen is my life novel. the mood and atmosphere, brimming with light and airiness, are palpable and unlike anything i've read; the characters and their stories + struggles are painfully human; the power of the kitchen and food are indescribably comforting. this is a book that makes me glad to be alive because it means i get to read it, and when it gets hard to hold on, i'll always come back to this story for the comfort and hope it will undoubtedly provide me.

this was the first book that made me feel happy to be alive, as being so allows me to read it. The story's like a warm blanket that envelops and comforts me on a dark, chilly night where the moon shines bright, a safe cocoon that protects me from the oft harsh reality of the outside world. Even while reading it, I knew that this book is one where I would go back to again and again whenever I need courage, security, comfort, or just a friend.

The story's seeming simplicity belies its abundant wisdom, and is simultaneously understated and evocative; it's astonishing how Yoshimoto's simple, concise prose can evoke such strong emotions for the reader. Kitchen is also full of living, breathing characters--I could imagine just randomly bumping into one of them round the corner, that's how real they seem--which is an astounding feat considering the story's relatively short length. The katsudon and staring-up-at-the-sky-at-the-inn scenes have also become one of my perennial literary favorites.

The book makes the ordinary whimsical and magical, and its exploration of the themes of loss, love, the power of food, and the will to live are heartachingly timely yet comforting. Kitchen is truly a story that illustrates the power of stories and one that makes me grateful to be alive and living in the world in all its beautiful, ugly reality

Content Warnings

annasorrenti's review against another edition

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emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

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criver's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

In this novella two beautiful stories are told about the main characters dealing with grief and what it means to be left behind

While the language is simple, it describes the situation between characters beautifully with the passing of time, beauty and dreams being the main themes.

I also love how the lines between reality and imagination are blurred, never sure whether the characters actually lived those events or dreamed them.

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5aru's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing slow-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? Yes

4.5

Yoshimoto’s prose is so soft.

I can’t think of a better word to describe it. It leads you gently by the hand, waxing poetic without being obscure, showing raw feeling without being crass. I really enjoyed this little gem; although it was extremely short, it didn’t leave me wanting for more, because it was so satisfying.

Content Warnings

v171's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad 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

3.0

I found this to be very endearing, and a lovely look at love and grief in a slice of life style. I have to say, I much preferred Kitchen to Moonlight Shadow, which felt very Murakami to me (in a bad way). I thought the way the author approached dealing with death to be novel and refreshing. And I found the way the author approached love to be realistic and gentle. The pairings of these themes felt forced at times, but overall, I enjoyed the stories.

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