Scan barcode
heavenlyrealms's review
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
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.
karinlib's review
4.0
This story reminded me of Murakami's stories, particularly 1Q84. A story of relationships, with a bit of fantasy thrown in.
periparaparasakura's review
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
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
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
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.