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phoenix2's review against another edition
4.0
After reading "Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto, I started reading her short stories, but didn't find enything that could be compared to "Kitchen". However, "The Lake" is straight up that alley. Although, at first, I've found the main character childish and selfish, slowly her real character was revealed and she became more likable. Her boyfriend was a complicated character too and it was interesting to follow the main character's path to discover the reason's why he became who he was. Also, the story had a nice, reassuring message that people can heal other people and that none is perfect, on the contrary, we all have imperfections and we are broken one way or another. There were some odd moments in the story, like Chii and her brother, but the characters came in terms with it and somehow it didn't feel important to try to understand it any further.
So, overall, quick pace, lovely writing, realistic characters and a heartwarming, but tragic, story.
So, overall, quick pace, lovely writing, realistic characters and a heartwarming, but tragic, story.
yuu3008's review against another edition
4.0
Một câu chuyện rất đời thường mà dường như có thể tìm thấy nghe thấy được ở đâu đó len lỏi trong những con phố ở Nhật Bản, với một cô bé Chihiro là kết tinh của một chuyện tình đẹp giữa người mẹ là một mama xinh đẹp ở một quán rượu cùng với ông bố là một ông chủ nhỏ ở một thị trấn vùng ven nào đó, và với người yêu của cô, Nakajima, cũng với những vấn đề khúc mắc của riêng bản thân mình, rồi họ học cách để hiểu và tìm chỗ đứng của mình trong cuộc đời của đối phương, tất cả đều được tả rất thực, thực tới nỗi cái màu buồn nhuốm lên toàn bộ câu chuyện, chắc có lẽ không ít người như mình cảm nhận được sự đồng cảm trong vài tình huống, để rồi khi đóng truyện lại thì tiếng vọng của nỗi buồn ấy dường như vẫn âm vang trong không gian.
Câu chuyện khắc hoạ có nhiều tiếng vọng tương đồng với bản thân, văn rất hay, bìa đẹp, đánh giá cao luôn^^
Câu chuyện khắc hoạ có nhiều tiếng vọng tương đồng với bản thân, văn rất hay, bìa đẹp, đánh giá cao luôn^^
kokechii's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not sure what to write. I was frustrated with the writing style to be honest. Chihiro's many thoughts were fine at first, but then I felt them almost getting in the way of the so called plot and being repetitive, specially in the first half of the novel. Really didn't like that the summary basically spoils the reveal at the end and although it does that, in the novel it's just so vague, kind of and jumbled... I'm not sure if I didn't get this book or if it's just not written for a reader like me.
tonireadsbooks's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
chococristis's review against another edition
4.0
El Lago ha sido una lectura extraña y maravillosa al mismo tiempo, con una historia de amor que se cuece a fuego lento y dos corazones rotos que tienen que ayudarse mutuamente, Banana Yoshimoto me ha atrapado con su mágica prosa y no dudaré en seguir leyendo sus novelas.
ashleyitokurtz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
heavenlyrealms's review against another edition
4.0
This novel is so mundane, yet I really enjoy reading it. It tells you about trying to understand your own feelings and those of others, waiting for the right person to share your true feelings, past, and life. It also serves as a reminder that everyone has their own battles in life.
booksamongstfriends's review against another edition
3.0
This gripped me in a way I didn’t expect. Silently.
And I chose one of my favorite songs for this post as it fits so perfectly. I’m left wondering will Chihiro erode over time attempting to be who Nakajima needs or will her former self truly dissolve as she goes through grief allowing her to become anew….
MY THOUGHTS:
This story follows Chihiro. A young woman navigating the loss of her mother, her ability to love, her perception of the world, and her next steps in her career. Then waves Nakajima from across his balcony. An odd and lanky young man who has his own past, his own perception, and his own grief.
Under two hundred pages, this book moves swiftly. Without noted chapters, you just flow. As life does. Yoshimoto’s prose does wonders with these characters. Showcasing that love isn’t always the big gestures, the sexy scenes, the bad boy you chase after. Love and success is daily occurrences, it’s showing up, it’s working through grief, it’s working PERIOD, it’s making plans, it’s escaping, and often times it is a slow burn.
For me this book was beautiful, intimate, simple, relatable, and even dark. It wasn’t hot and sexy, but it was personal and honest.
And I chose one of my favorite songs for this post as it fits so perfectly. I’m left wondering will Chihiro erode over time attempting to be who Nakajima needs or will her former self truly dissolve as she goes through grief allowing her to become anew….
MY THOUGHTS:
This story follows Chihiro. A young woman navigating the loss of her mother, her ability to love, her perception of the world, and her next steps in her career. Then waves Nakajima from across his balcony. An odd and lanky young man who has his own past, his own perception, and his own grief.
Under two hundred pages, this book moves swiftly. Without noted chapters, you just flow. As life does. Yoshimoto’s prose does wonders with these characters. Showcasing that love isn’t always the big gestures, the sexy scenes, the bad boy you chase after. Love and success is daily occurrences, it’s showing up, it’s working through grief, it’s working PERIOD, it’s making plans, it’s escaping, and often times it is a slow burn.
For me this book was beautiful, intimate, simple, relatable, and even dark. It wasn’t hot and sexy, but it was personal and honest.