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4.43 AVERAGE
4.43 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
Complicated
This book is not only visually beautiful but beautiful on so many other levels! I love that it is written in multiple languages at once and highlights the wonderful benefits of having friends of various nationalities. There are so many insights and knowledge that you are able to receive in that situation and you will have your eyes opened to different perspectives and see things you're familiar with in new lights. This was a story that blended living abroad, homesickness, identity, dreams and the future, familial relationships, and finding the place you belong together so wonderfully. The characters were lively and I grew easily attached as the reader discovers each of their individual struggles and strengths. If your interest still isn't piqued, there are some amazing panels and pages full of yummy food!
review based on an ARC.
I loved this little slice of life of a study abroad student among other Asian students in Japan. The friendships and relationships grow because of why they left and what they learn together.
I loved this little slice of life of a study abroad student among other Asian students in Japan. The friendships and relationships grow because of why they left and what they learn together.
5 big stars!
i loved this slice of life graphic novel so much, the characters are all adorable and it's beautiful to read about the different cultures, interactions and how these characters navigate through the struggles of learning a new language and living in a foreign country and asian diaspora experience.
It's complex yet so simple and beautiful :') i loved it a lot.
i loved this slice of life graphic novel so much, the characters are all adorable and it's beautiful to read about the different cultures, interactions and how these characters navigate through the struggles of learning a new language and living in a foreign country and asian diaspora experience.
It's complex yet so simple and beautiful :') i loved it a lot.
Himawari House is a sweet coming -of-age story of discovery and friendship. Plot-wise, nothing much happens in this year in the life of the people of the Himawari share house, but Himawari House is all about the relationships. Harmony Becker illustrates everyday interactions as readers watch the characters become friends and lean on each other as they figure out their lives, along with glimpses of who they were before coming to Japan. Nao navigating her Japanese and American heritage is a familiar narrative, so having Hyejung’s and Tina’s perspectives provide a more global cultural aspect which, in addition to the multilingual dialogues, makes for more nuanced and complex experiences of the Asian diaspora (Becker’s note on accents at the end is worth highlighting).
While I didn’t become particularly attached to the characters or their storylines, I was surprised at how sad I was after turning the last page. It felt like I was just getting to know them and then it was time to say goodbye, which really captures part of growing up.
While I didn’t become particularly attached to the characters or their storylines, I was surprised at how sad I was after turning the last page. It felt like I was just getting to know them and then it was time to say goodbye, which really captures part of growing up.
5/5
I loved Harmony Becker’s work on THEY CALLED US ENEMY, so I was so excited to read her solo debut. HIMAWARI HOUSE is one of the best graphic novels I’ve read in a while. I was absolutely blown away by her heartfelt storytelling and stunning art! The added layer of the emphasis placed on language (different languages, grammatical errors, accents, etc.) was especially impressive and made the story feel so much more genuine. All of the characters feel so real and endearing, and they made me laugh and cry in every chapter. And I cannot stress how gorgeous the art is!! I can’t wait for Harmony Becker’s next project, and I highly recommend giving HIMAWARI HOUSE a read!
I loved Harmony Becker’s work on THEY CALLED US ENEMY, so I was so excited to read her solo debut. HIMAWARI HOUSE is one of the best graphic novels I’ve read in a while. I was absolutely blown away by her heartfelt storytelling and stunning art! The added layer of the emphasis placed on language (different languages, grammatical errors, accents, etc.) was especially impressive and made the story feel so much more genuine. All of the characters feel so real and endearing, and they made me laugh and cry in every chapter. And I cannot stress how gorgeous the art is!! I can’t wait for Harmony Becker’s next project, and I highly recommend giving HIMAWARI HOUSE a read!
