1.06k reviews for:

When Haru Was Here

Dustin Thao

3.75 AVERAGE

librarianpeter's review against another edition

4.5

emotional mysterious sad

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4.5. 

Amazing. Heartbreaking.

cordysbooknook's review against another edition

4.0

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Rating - 4.5

sailormar's review against another edition

4.0

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad slow-paced

etoileige's review against another edition

3.25

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

demetria_books01's review against another edition

3.5

medium-paced

bookspinesandroses's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious 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

snippie99's review against another edition

3.0

emotional medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

divinecookie's review against another edition

2.75

emotional mysterious sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

latenight_reader1031's review against another edition

4.75

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

ais5775's review against another edition

5.0

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When Haru Was Here is a heart-wrenching yet deeply uplifting story that grips you from the very first page. Dustin Thao’s masterful writing delves into themes of love, loss, and the tender beauty of memories, creating a narrative that is emotionally rich and profound. The novel explores the connections that linger even after death, and how healing can come from the most unexpected places.

Thao’s characters are wonderfully layered, with Haru standing out as a beacon of hope in a world clouded by grief. The relationships feel authentic and raw, drawing readers into their struggles and joys with equal intensity. The story is so vivid and moving that I found myself unable to put the book down—each chapter is a journey through heartbreak and healing, leaving you with a bittersweet sense of closure.

What sets this novel apart is its delicate balance between sadness and hope. It deals with complex emotions in a way that is both gentle and real, making it not just a story of loss but also one of learning to live fully again. If you're looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings and leave a lasting impression, When Haru Was Here is an absolute must-read.

I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who loves beautifully written, emotionally resonant fiction!