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pomegranateicecream's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
3.75
katelyn_lasater's review against another edition
3.0
i think this was a good book it just unfortunately didn’t go the way i wanted it too and i felt 1/3 of the book was unnecessary. i just wanted MORE but i still enjoyed!
lzcvgdn's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
4.5
olap's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
I loved it for the first 2/3 parts - it had the slice of life Murakami vibe without the disgusting sexism. Then i got confused by the last part suddenly veering off into magical realism to reveal the big secret - it was a bit too deux ex machina in the context of the story. It's still a good read, but could have been more 🥲
tillss's review against another edition
The story could use some work much like Watersong, but I’m in love with the author’s smooth/fluid writing style. Her words flow together perfectly to create a realistically beautiful landscape.
bibliophilekiera's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.0
lothlorienele's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
gayathiri_rajendran's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a joy to read. Miwako Sumida is the titular character of this book, and we learn from the first few pages that she has hanged herself. The story is told from three POVs, Ryusei-the guy who likes her, Chie-her best friend and Fumi-Ryusei's sister. This book had a nostalgic setting, and the prose was simply wonderful.
As the story progresses, we get to know of her through various people and slowly we are able to paint a portrait of her and how she was as a person. Reading this book felt like watching a slice of life anime. The writing is simple and the story flows naturally and there's a quiet stillness to it even though it deals with grief and trauma.
The ending was a bit unexpected but worked nicely. I loved the characters; they were unique in their own right and yet relatable. I read this book pretty fast, in under two days. This book was such a vibe. One of my favorite reads of the year. I'll read Goenawan's other books for sure.
As the story progresses, we get to know of her through various people and slowly we are able to paint a portrait of her and how she was as a person. Reading this book felt like watching a slice of life anime. The writing is simple and the story flows naturally and there's a quiet stillness to it even though it deals with grief and trauma.
The ending was a bit unexpected but worked nicely. I loved the characters; they were unique in their own right and yet relatable. I read this book pretty fast, in under two days. This book was such a vibe. One of my favorite reads of the year. I'll read Goenawan's other books for sure.
robertavaznyte's review against another edition
5.0
Two words:
MAGICAL
REALISM
Miwako was a straightforward, sometimes even harsh with words, hard-working girl. How could have Ryusei not fallen in love with this curious girl. He asks her out, and she refuses him, and yet, they remain close friends.
But Miwako is not here anymore. She committed suicide.
The book tells a story from three different perspectives: Ryusei, Chie, who was Miwako's best friend, and Fumi, Ryusei's older sister. All these characters had close relationships with Miwako and all wonder the same - why seemingly healthy girl decide to end her life so suddenly? Or maybe it was not sudden at all? What secrets did Miwako hide?
This is a gorgeous book. Reading it soothed my heart. Even when pages were full of sadness, and I was missing Miwako as much as Ryusei, I still felt warm reading it. The characters were colorful and detailed. I enjoyed getting to know them. When tiny drops of 'magic' appeared in this book, I welcomed them as they fitted the story and elevated it.
P.S. Fumi's character was presented in such a sensitive way that I have not encountered before.
MAGICAL
REALISM
Miwako was a straightforward, sometimes even harsh with words, hard-working girl. How could have Ryusei not fallen in love with this curious girl. He asks her out, and she refuses him, and yet, they remain close friends.
But Miwako is not here anymore. She committed suicide.
The book tells a story from three different perspectives: Ryusei, Chie, who was Miwako's best friend, and Fumi, Ryusei's older sister. All these characters had close relationships with Miwako and all wonder the same - why seemingly healthy girl decide to end her life so suddenly? Or maybe it was not sudden at all? What secrets did Miwako hide?
This is a gorgeous book. Reading it soothed my heart. Even when pages were full of sadness, and I was missing Miwako as much as Ryusei, I still felt warm reading it. The characters were colorful and detailed. I enjoyed getting to know them. When tiny drops of 'magic' appeared in this book, I welcomed them as they fitted the story and elevated it.
P.S. Fumi's character was presented in such a sensitive way that I have not encountered before.