Reviews

Moshi Moshi by Banana Yoshimoto

emilyjordan711's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective

4.5

hannahventer2802's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

thekqy's review against another edition

4.0

I read this book really slowly, and it think it could’ve been a better experience if I’d read it over the course of a week. Still, I liked the author a lot, including his afterword. There were a lot of sections in this book that just felt comforting. Not in a warm, cozy way, but in the way you feel after you’ve just finished crying and a breeze comes through the window. I recommend this book if you are more interested in character than plot, as the main movement in the story is generated by the feelings of the main character as she explores her father’s mysterious death. It is by no means a mystery novel. First thing I’ve read from Banana Yoshimoto and I look forward to more.

ephemerum's review against another edition

Not sure if the translator didn't do a very good job localizing it or reading Banana Yoshimoto is an acquired taste, but not for me either way

rainbowfishy's review against another edition

5.0

yea i really liked this... Yoshimoto just has this unique way of making these simple, short stories really stick in my mind. her writing feels so slice of life in the best way

mattestmachina's review against another edition

dark hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

fantasmariana's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 estrellas
Esta es una fan account de Banana Yoshimoto, así que mucha objetividad en esta reseña no hay. Me pareció un libro precioso en el que se explora el duelo (como en muchas otras de sus historias) pero también la relación madre-hija, el autodescubrimiento y el sentimiento de pertenencia a un lugar. El padre de Yo-chan ha muerto en un homicidio-suicidio con su amante. Aunque tanto ella como su madre están dolidas, el proceso de aceptación es completamente distinto para cada una, pues no es lo mismo perder un padre que un esposo y menos en una situación tan truculenta. Subrayé medio libro por las frases y sentimientos llegadores que Banana logra expresar como nadie. Me enamoré del barrio de Shimokitazawa y de las descripciones de sus calles, sus restaurantes, su ambiente. Como fan de lo spooky, la verdad esperaba un poco más de esas llamadas del inframundo y background de la amante siniestra, pero entiendo que ese no era el enfoque del libro. Se me cayó un poco el final con una decisión que toma la protagonista junto con un amigo del papá... Pero fuera de eso, lo amé.

cebolla's review against another edition

4.0

This book was so simply written, yet so deep, it felt like walking on ten feet of snow. The translation felt a little wonky and it could have used a more thorough editing job, but the character growth and the way it made me feel more than made up for it.

jackalop3's review against another edition

emotional relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

mundinova's review against another edition

3.0

If someone had asked me how I'd spent this period in my life, I'd have said I'd done nothing in particular. It had all felt like a dream.

A touching story about dealing with sudden death, but suffers from a poor translation.

This is my first Banana book and I enjoyed it an average amount. I might have enjoyed it more if the translation was better. So many things just didn't make sense. Characters saying something normal, then another character laughing hysterically at a joke or turn of phrase that didn't translate at all. Luckily I have a friend who helped me with one scene (thanks, Martin!), but if you don't have someone to help you out ... well, things are going to be missed.

Outside of the poor translation, this is a beautiful mother/daughter story. As children we see our parents a certain way. It's a special transition in anyone's life when you get to know a parent as a friend. But other than that, the story is a little boring. Not much really happens. This is an emotional journey, not a fast paced action drama.

I found all of Yocchan's emotions believable for a young woman who likes organizing her understanding of the world through words (which another character uses to describe her). She may have a wisdom slightly beyond her years, but the expected poor/growing-as-a-person choices are still there.

Story: 2 stars
Character Development: 4 stars
Writing/Prose (translation): 2 stars