Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
inspiring
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:
Yes
I loved reading this book about the year young, Middle Schooler Tomoko from Okayama spends with with her Aunt's family in Ashiya. Tomoko develops a binding friendship with her young, Asthmatic cousin Mina (of the book's title). It is a coming of age story of sorts. I loved the evocative descriptions in the book, and the painting of the life of a rich, eccentric, and loveable household in Ashiya
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
This was cute and a nice slice of life book but not one that sticks with you. I’ll definitely keep reading Ogawa but this one isn’t her strongest.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This really wasn't capturing my attention and then I found out that the middle of the book spouts a pro-Israel, anti-Palestinian section and that was definitely enough for me to quit.
Content Warnings
From another review I read, "Despite the hype, I wasn't aware Palestine and Israel would portray quite so prominently in the middle of this book. I cannot condone the anti-Palestinian sentiment in this book, especially given how this translation was published in the midst of a genocide (Aug 2024) and the author herself, being the copyright owner, didn't seem to object to its publication. I also disagree with the Internet sentiment that because of her identity, she's somehow less worldly and unaware (there are Japanese artists who have protested the genocide). She compares hostages to Holocaust victims and the language used paints one side as victim and the other as aggressor.
On Palestinians:
'Palestinian terrorists' 'Knots of black shadow' 'if it weren't for her, I'm afraid I would have seen the terrorists as nothing more than annoying men' 'guerillas' 'they were using the nine hostages to demand the release of two hundred Palestinians who were imprisoned in Israel'"
This book gave me a sense of having someone else's memories. It does not rely on the typical western arc of story telling; there's not a lot of action or other literary elements that are used to keep the reader turning the pages. I liked the slow mystery and reveal of the uncle's whereabouts. I liked the childish romances and crushes encapsulated in the matchboxes and sparse meetings at the library. The Christmas scene near the end produced a gush of emotion like familial love and tradition - perhaps enhanced by my timing in reading this book, as it was a christmas gift to my daughter. The reflections of time having passed in the last chapters was relatable to me, as I am only slightly younger than the characters during their reflections. The writing and translation were excellent, and I believe if I did decide to read another of her books, I would also find it to be transporting and emotive.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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