Reviews

When I try to recall what I loved about this book, I think of how much the characters adored and cared for one another and the imagery. How bonds were formed between the most unlikely people. How they understood the silences and trusted one another. How the author's writing made the imagery so vivid that I could feel the dampness and dust of the bookstore in my mouth, the warmth of the lights in the coffee shop on my skin, the friction of the ground of the alleys beneath my shoes, the burdened breathing of Takako while hiking up the mountain in my lungs, the quiet of the inn in my spirit, and the awkward calm between Takako and the cafe guy in my teeth.

While the first section was more meditative, the second second was cliché. Some readers may find that annoying but I thought it was still effective. While I had a tiny problem with it being filmy like how it was so convenient for Momoko to come back and not say anything, how she had an illness that healed eventually, and how Satoru knew exactly where to find Momoko. Clichés are tough. We love them but at the same time don't.

The writing style... Or should I say the translation style... They're both beginner friendly which means it's easy and smooth to read but for me, it was so smooth that it felt rough. It was like when you slipped on the floor and could feel your limbs attempting control and end up stiffening with pain. I hope that makes sense.

This book taught me mostly about letting love come in even if you don't think you deserve it. Even if you're not ready. Even if you think you have nothing to give back.

I hope you let love in freely without needing to intellectualize it. I hope you don't flinch when someone tries to hold your face.

It also taught me that it's okay to rest and I am allowed to do less.

violet_primroses's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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