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3.34 AVERAGE
3.34 AVERAGE
A bit disappointing ending, though Hiromi Kawakami's style has always been like this; openly described and soothing flow, just like Strange Weather In Tokyo; however this one left me with sense of ambiguity and profound loss. Whats with the ending? What happen to Takeo and Hitomi? I know Nakano shop has been closed however the memories wont be forgettable; which was seen in their reunion, however I felt like i was left hanging. 3 out of 5 for me.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Kiva ja sympaattinen kirja, jossa ei oikeastaan tapahtunut kauheasti mitään, mutta henkilöiden elämää oli silti mukava seurata.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 Stars
This story was just, okay to me. Not good and not bad either.
I really liked the premise enough and I like Miss Kawakami's writing style, but the story and the characters kinda fell flat for me as I kept on reading.
I saw other reviewers describe every chapter as feeling like an episode of a TV show and I think that's the perfect way to describe it. I just don't think that formula worked for me personally as the repetitive nature and lack of development from the characters fell flat for me.
But I would love to continue reading more from this author and will probably pick up Strange Weather in Tokyo next!
This story was just, okay to me. Not good and not bad either.
I really liked the premise enough and I like Miss Kawakami's writing style, but the story and the characters kinda fell flat for me as I kept on reading.
I saw other reviewers describe every chapter as feeling like an episode of a TV show and I think that's the perfect way to describe it. I just don't think that formula worked for me personally as the repetitive nature and lack of development from the characters fell flat for me.
Spoiler
Hitomi's conflicts with Takeo were especially a chore to get through, like girl...please.But I would love to continue reading more from this author and will probably pick up Strange Weather in Tokyo next!
I want to read all the books by Kawakami! I loved how the story flowed and the day-to-day interactions in the shop. Definitely in my wheelhouse!
This was a wonderful insight in a group of characters working together in a thrift store. I liked reading about the little episodes of their life, their relationship with each other and also about the events at the store. It's a quiet book with awkward characters.
Really lovely book. It's a love story, but not a Disney-fied one or an American one. The kind that might actually happen in real life. And it's sweet and maddening and impenetrable and adorable all at once.
The characters are Harumi, a young woman who has perhaps just turned 30s (there are several hints about being in her thirties but also how young she is). Takeo, her coworker at a Thrift shop. And the owner of the Thrift shop who is married but always has a mistress (or two) and who is awkward and inscrutable. The owners sister comes in and out. She's basically a trust fund baby who makes dolls for fun and for art.
The book covers a few years in their lives as they all work in the Nakano Thrift Shop. Harumi and Takeo, perhaps, fall in love. Or not.
There isn't a ton of plot honestly. But the characters were fascinating and entirely human. It's by a Japanese author so there were cultural references I missed. And it definitely felt culturally Japanese in the pacing and character traits.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. If you like a slower read with wonderful characters and lovely writing, check it out!
The characters are Harumi, a young woman who has perhaps just turned 30s (there are several hints about being in her thirties but also how young she is). Takeo, her coworker at a Thrift shop. And the owner of the Thrift shop who is married but always has a mistress (or two) and who is awkward and inscrutable. The owners sister comes in and out. She's basically a trust fund baby who makes dolls for fun and for art.
The book covers a few years in their lives as they all work in the Nakano Thrift Shop. Harumi and Takeo, perhaps, fall in love. Or not.
There isn't a ton of plot honestly. But the characters were fascinating and entirely human. It's by a Japanese author so there were cultural references I missed. And it definitely felt culturally Japanese in the pacing and character traits.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. If you like a slower read with wonderful characters and lovely writing, check it out!
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes