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deb22301's review against another edition
4.0
very sweet - loved "Rubber Boots" and "The Gelateria and the Carabinieri"
sharonhurlbut's review against another edition
2.0
While still not among my favorite manga, I did enjoy this book by Natsume Ono more than the previous one I read (Tesoro). I find the combination of Italian locales/themes and Japanese culture, all translated into English, to be sometimes problematic for me. This collection focuses on the relationships between fathers and sons, brothers, and partners. I particularly enjoyed "Diorama" about a somewhat cranky Japanese man trying to relate to his German son-in-law. I found the ending of that story to be quite touching. The final story, "Partners" was also very enjoyable, tracing the developing relationship between two police partners as the new, young officer comes to trust and understand his more experienced partner.
windspice's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
thebookfinch's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hollowspine's review
3.0
3.5
A few vignettes of different lives, very much in the same style as Ono's previous works. I enjoyed reading each story to it's conclusion, which weren't always all peaches and roses etc. I like the subdued art, dialog and over all feel of Ono's stories, where not everything has to be said out. I prefer her longer works, just when I felt I was getting into the meat of one of these short stories it was over, a too short taste of Ono's superb storytelling.
The variety of stories, characters and situations is as usual quite wide-ranging (esp. compared to most manga-ka who stick to what they know). Even sci-fi elements can be found within the collection.
Any fans from previous works, such as Gente, Not Simple, etc. will enjoy this collection and no doubt wish for more.
A few vignettes of different lives, very much in the same style as Ono's previous works. I enjoyed reading each story to it's conclusion, which weren't always all peaches and roses etc. I like the subdued art, dialog and over all feel of Ono's stories, where not everything has to be said out. I prefer her longer works, just when I felt I was getting into the meat of one of these short stories it was over, a too short taste of Ono's superb storytelling.
The variety of stories, characters and situations is as usual quite wide-ranging (esp. compared to most manga-ka who stick to what they know). Even sci-fi elements can be found within the collection.
Any fans from previous works, such as Gente, Not Simple, etc. will enjoy this collection and no doubt wish for more.
redbeanbasilseed's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Good heartwarming fun. This collection of short stories by Natsume Ono about love, humor, family, and growth made me smile and laugh. I also love Natsume's highly stylized illustrations - they're dynamic and fun, and they keep things interesting for me.