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thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
yoshimoto once again proves that she's the it writer for me, w/ how she so masterfully encapsulates in goodbye tsugumi nostalgia, longing, the bittersweetness of parting, as well as the small moments and details that define and impact one's life.
though some notable things do occur, the novel is mostly comprised of everyday moments from an idyll summer, thus while it is relaxing to read at the time, it can make the book forgettable plot-wise, however i think yoshimoto strives to achieve a certain tone and feeling more than focus on plot. and while i do get where tsugumi's coming from, she still irks me w/ her abusive ways; like it doesnt hurt to be a nicer person??
the climax, meanwhile, is tense yet cliche, non-stereotypical yet baity at the same time, and i have mixed feelings w/ it along w/ the new english title that invites misunderstanding. from my non-japanese-speaking POV, however, the book does come across as seamlessly translated.
though some notable things do occur, the novel is mostly comprised of everyday moments from an idyll summer, thus while it is relaxing to read at the time, it can make the book forgettable plot-wise, however i think yoshimoto strives to achieve a certain tone and feeling more than focus on plot. and while i do get where tsugumi's coming from, she still irks me w/ her abusive ways; like it doesnt hurt to be a nicer person??
the climax, meanwhile, is tense yet cliche, non-stereotypical yet baity at the same time, and i have mixed feelings w/ it along w/ the new english title that invites misunderstanding. from my non-japanese-speaking POV, however, the book does come across as seamlessly translated.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Emotional abuse, and Animal cruelty
Minor: Gaslighting, Murder, Kidnapping, Medical content, and Animal death
major_tom's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It's a slow and emotional ride, which I greatly enjoyed. It was interesting to see so much character analysis in such a small book. While reading, I could imagine the protagonist sitting there and recollecting her eventful summer in a fish town, where she got to glimpse inside the soul of someone quite unfortunate.
I liked how my perception of the story changed as the plot developed further; I was hard to predict such a big change given how slow and reflective the pacing is.
This book will not be enjoyed by everyone, but I think it's a nice read.
I liked how my perception of the story changed as the plot developed further; I was hard to predict such a big change given how slow and reflective the pacing is.
This book will not be enjoyed by everyone, but I think it's a nice read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement
Moderate: Chronic illness, Terminal illness, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Animal cruelty and Animal death
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