Reviews

This book made me see life a little different; it's not about wealth, it's not about obsession over it, it's not about looks, family's in all sorts of forms, nobody is perfect, yet we're not only about the one thing we do or happened throughout our lives.

Love how Japanese books offer a simple story with a great Asian touch, while sending a meaningful message that puts our insides at ease if we choose to accept it. The best part was when it taught me that we need to live like the poets, romanticize life and put meaning into things. Only then will we find the motivation to face reality in a happier manner. I've always looked at the world that way and questioned why I do. This book validated it, and gave me a good enough reason as to why each of us exists.

There are so many bits of wisdom in the story that can make one live with more serenity. Grateful I came across this, makes me want to keep reading works by Asian authors ❤️

uhhlessandra's review against another edition

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5.0

Someone lied to me and told me this was a comfort read.

jenniey3's review against another edition

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5.0

Hansen’s Disease began to spread rapidly in Japan in the mid 1900s. Otherwise known as leprosy, the disease could permanently damage and cripple the body, causing severe pain in the joints. In 1953, the Japanese government passed the Leprosy Prevention Act, isolating the infected and forcing them to move into sanatoriums. With the development of more modern forms of medicine, many were cured. Despite the act being abolished in 1996, the stigma around the infected still remained. People had a difficult time integrating back into society, and many found themselves returning to the sanatoriums because it was the only place of acceptance. Aged seventy-six, Tokue was one of the survivors, bearing the scars in her crippled fingers.

Sentaro is a man in his mid-thirties that sells dorayaki, a pancake filled with sweet bean paste. He has a criminal record, and is working to pay off his debts. The friendship between Sentaro and Tokue is an unlikely one. However, they are similar in many regards.

Societal judgment is unavoidable; Sentaro is looked down upon for his criminal record, and Tokue is ostracized for her disease. But while Sentaro has struggled to find his purpose, Tokue has found hers. As the story begins to unfold, Sentaro learns from Tokue’s age-old wisdom.

Growing up, Tokue had always wanted to be a teacher. However, once diagnosed with leprosy, that dream was no longer able to come true. But she is able to find joy in other parts of her life. She believes that people were born to see and listen to the world. It doesn’t matter that she was never a teacher, it does not take away from her individual, unique experiences. She believes in “the idea that we have been nurtured by the universe to prove its existence”.

The uncertainties of life are inevitable, and what we may have believed or wished for in the past may never come to fruition. We adapt, we learn to become more appreciative of what we do have. The simplest aspects of life are the ones that bring us the most happiness; the most ordinary of our days are the ones that cause our smiles to widen and eyes to crinkle.

All life is precious and meaningful, regardless of circumstance.

makkara's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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