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alishyasukaroti's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
ellutag's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
lapetite's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
“If the love is true, then treat it the same way you would plant - feed it, protect it from the elements - you must do absolutely everything you can. But if it isn't true, then it's best to just let it wither on the vine.”
A sweet yet strange story. I just wish it had a better translator.
dmknyc's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
jessjacko's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
4.5
austinsmart's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
ambergamgee's review against another edition
3.0
A quiet and simple little book. Reminded me a bit of Convenience Store Girl, which I really loved. I liked the format, it reads like a singular novel, but each chapter also feels like a short story. It was my before bed book, and it was nice for that.
Spoilers ahead
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The whole time I was reading it was a 4 star, but when it turned to romance, it dropped to 3. I felt like the romance aspect cheapened their relationship. I loved that a 30-something woman and an old retired widower could be friends. Their friendship was quiet and sweet. I didn't believe or like the romance (not that I'm against May/December romance) but....why couldn't the friendship be enough for the story? I thought the whole book that it was about friendship and I loved that. I wish the last 2-3 chapters that had them as a couple were not there.
Spoilers ahead
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The whole time I was reading it was a 4 star, but when it turned to romance, it dropped to 3. I felt like the romance aspect cheapened their relationship. I loved that a 30-something woman and an old retired widower could be friends. Their friendship was quiet and sweet. I didn't believe or like the romance (not that I'm against May/December romance) but....why couldn't the friendship be enough for the story? I thought the whole book that it was about friendship and I loved that. I wish the last 2-3 chapters that had them as a couple were not there.
lauracooleyjohnson's review against another edition
4.0
I am in Tokyo now and like to read fiction that is by local authors. This was short, a bit odd to this Westerner (as much Japanese fiction is to me), but yet soulful and beautiful too. It made me think that if I had time to reflect more on the poetry and language, I’d find deeper meaning there. I found the generational commentary to be interesting, and the love story heartfelt. And the food and drink are a main character that brings this little story to life.
acmo's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
lucyla's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5