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periparaparasakura's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
aliazmi99's review against another edition
4.0
yoshimoto is a little mystical woman !! some parts of the book were a bit goofy though; thought some interactions were a bunch of bull, but was a nice read anyway
candidk's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
jadeeby's review against another edition
3.0
Originally published at my blog Chasing Empty Pavements
I finished the book The Lake by Banana Yoshimoto and wow is all I can say. This book was crazy different than what I've read in a long time.
The Good: There is no plot or action in this book really, but strangely it works for this book. The book is written as if the narrator were either talking directly to us, the readers or just talking aloud. It has this unbelievable flow, almost a stream of conciousness. You really get to know the main character, Chihiro because she lets you into her world, her heart and her mind. She isn't shy about saying exactly what she wants and its refreshing to have a narrator like this. The tone of the narrator is like she hasn't spoke, really spoken in years and now it's just flowing out except beautifully flowing. What I love about this book is that its beautifully written except there aren't complex or overly lyrical lines. The beauty lies within the simplicity of the sentences. Sometimes so matter-of-factly. I thought Yoshimoto really treated this book with care, especially when we find out the disturbing things within the novel.
The Bad: Sometimes I actually felt that the lack of action and plot slowed the reading down a bit and there were some areas where I felt a little tired of hearing Chihiro talking but really those are my only two complaints about the novel.
Overall, I thought this was a beautifully written, quick read. I've never heard of Banana Yoshimoto before this book fell into my hands, but I'm defiantly checking out her other stuff! I give this book a A-!
**I received this book free from the publisher through www.netgalley.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I finished the book The Lake by Banana Yoshimoto and wow is all I can say. This book was crazy different than what I've read in a long time.
The Good: There is no plot or action in this book really, but strangely it works for this book. The book is written as if the narrator were either talking directly to us, the readers or just talking aloud. It has this unbelievable flow, almost a stream of conciousness. You really get to know the main character, Chihiro because she lets you into her world, her heart and her mind. She isn't shy about saying exactly what she wants and its refreshing to have a narrator like this. The tone of the narrator is like she hasn't spoke, really spoken in years and now it's just flowing out except beautifully flowing. What I love about this book is that its beautifully written except there aren't complex or overly lyrical lines. The beauty lies within the simplicity of the sentences. Sometimes so matter-of-factly. I thought Yoshimoto really treated this book with care, especially when we find out the disturbing things within the novel.
The Bad: Sometimes I actually felt that the lack of action and plot slowed the reading down a bit and there were some areas where I felt a little tired of hearing Chihiro talking but really those are my only two complaints about the novel.
Overall, I thought this was a beautifully written, quick read. I've never heard of Banana Yoshimoto before this book fell into my hands, but I'm defiantly checking out her other stuff! I give this book a A-!
**I received this book free from the publisher through www.netgalley.com. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
pasarmalam's review against another edition
4.0
I'm crying this is so good i'm in love－
This book gave me unusual and strange feeling that I've never encountered in any other books before. It's deep, realistic, and magical at the same time. Some parts hit me hard and the other just left me in confusion－but we eventually get the deserved explanation when it finished. I'm amazed at how Banana Yoshimoto build the plot all the way until the end, without being too rushed nor forced. I love the characters and their thought, how they were dealing with life even tho they were fully aware that they might be lost somewhere. Yoshimoto's writing is really neat and pretty. In conclusion, I really love every single aspects of this book. Worth to read, pleasw give it a try!
This book gave me unusual and strange feeling that I've never encountered in any other books before. It's deep, realistic, and magical at the same time. Some parts hit me hard and the other just left me in confusion－but we eventually get the deserved explanation when it finished. I'm amazed at how Banana Yoshimoto build the plot all the way until the end, without being too rushed nor forced. I love the characters and their thought, how they were dealing with life even tho they were fully aware that they might be lost somewhere. Yoshimoto's writing is really neat and pretty. In conclusion, I really love every single aspects of this book. Worth to read, pleasw give it a try!
queenkath32's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Kidnapping, Sexual assault, and Death
jujubeans13's review against another edition
I love u banana. Will never regret having your book tattooed on my skin forever. Biz
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
4.0
to be reviewed
This is probably more of a 3.5 rating for me but I rounded up because I liked how different this book was. I kept wondering where the story was going as I turned each page and was intrigued to find out the ending. Plus, I always enjoy discovering new authors from other countries and getting a different perspective on the world. This author was recommended to me by a friend years ago and I've had her on my "to read" list for awhile. When I stumbled across this slim volume wandering through the stacks at my local library, I figured it was about time to read one of her books. The story centers around a young woman who moves to Tokyo after her mother's death, hoping to overcome her grief and start a career as a graphic artist. However, she struggles with her art and finds herself staring out the window quite a bit. She spies an attractive young man who lives across the street from her apartment building and the two eventually embark on a tentative and unusual romance. As they get to know each other, she discovers that something unspeakable happened to him in his past. She slowly pieces together what it was after they visit two friends from his past at a tranquil lake outside the city. Together, they work to overcome old wounds and move forward with their lives. The translation was phenomenally well done and immensely readable. I'm glad I stumbled across this book by chance and look forward to reading others by this author.
This is probably more of a 3.5 rating for me but I rounded up because I liked how different this book was. I kept wondering where the story was going as I turned each page and was intrigued to find out the ending. Plus, I always enjoy discovering new authors from other countries and getting a different perspective on the world. This author was recommended to me by a friend years ago and I've had her on my "to read" list for awhile. When I stumbled across this slim volume wandering through the stacks at my local library, I figured it was about time to read one of her books. The story centers around a young woman who moves to Tokyo after her mother's death, hoping to overcome her grief and start a career as a graphic artist. However, she struggles with her art and finds herself staring out the window quite a bit. She spies an attractive young man who lives across the street from her apartment building and the two eventually embark on a tentative and unusual romance. As they get to know each other, she discovers that something unspeakable happened to him in his past. She slowly pieces together what it was after they visit two friends from his past at a tranquil lake outside the city. Together, they work to overcome old wounds and move forward with their lives. The translation was phenomenally well done and immensely readable. I'm glad I stumbled across this book by chance and look forward to reading others by this author.
geisttull's review against another edition
3.0
Still not sure that I read this before - finished it and still don't know! beautifully told story, as always.