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lrwebster16's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
Shortlisted for the Man Booker, this is a moving tale of a discovered diary.
Ruth, a writer, discovers a diary whilst walking on the beach. Hidden between the French covers of Proust is the diary of Nao, a Japanese teenager, writing to an unknown reader, telling her story and her plan to commit suicide. We move back and forth between Ruth and her husband reading the diary and discussing it, trying to delve into the true history of the family it discusses, and Nao herself, telling her story.
I must say, I found the diary sections much more interesting than Ruth's story. I could picture her life, her family (especially her wonderful great-grandmother) and wanted to know still more. The story seemed to slow down for me each time the diary pages were closed. I did enjoy Ruth researching Nao and her father, and the novelty of characters in a book talking about characters in the diary within the book. Clever.
It's quite sad and has a 'grey' feel to it, you won't finish and feel uplifted, but it does take you on a journey around the world and gives some insights into modern life in Japan that I enjoyed.
Ruth, a writer, discovers a diary whilst walking on the beach. Hidden between the French covers of Proust is the diary of Nao, a Japanese teenager, writing to an unknown reader, telling her story and her plan to commit suicide. We move back and forth between Ruth and her husband reading the diary and discussing it, trying to delve into the true history of the family it discusses, and Nao herself, telling her story.
I must say, I found the diary sections much more interesting than Ruth's story. I could picture her life, her family (especially her wonderful great-grandmother) and wanted to know still more. The story seemed to slow down for me each time the diary pages were closed. I did enjoy Ruth researching Nao and her father, and the novelty of characters in a book talking about characters in the diary within the book. Clever.
It's quite sad and has a 'grey' feel to it, you won't finish and feel uplifted, but it does take you on a journey around the world and gives some insights into modern life in Japan that I enjoyed.
stinkymorg's review against another edition
3.0
I was torn between 3 and 4 stars for this one. Overall I liked this book and the message behind it I just didn’t really love reading Ruth’s sections. I wish they weren’t every other chapter because I was starting to get bored by the end.
hannahheislr's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.75
christilee_'s review against another edition
3.0
3,75 Stars.
Fantastic audiobook. Ruth was a meh character, otherwise I loved Nao.
Fantastic audiobook. Ruth was a meh character, otherwise I loved Nao.
fireflying's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? Yes
5.0
one of the reviews on the back describes this as "delightful". I would rather say "crushes your entire soul in an uplifting and magical way". also too well written for me to have any words left over. good luck.
rachsarasin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
appleboycat's review against another edition
4.0
Honestly I think that if this book had solely been Nao’s story I would’ve absolutely loved it. I was hooked right from the start and really enjoyed the writing style for Nao’s chapters. However, I found myself quite bored when it came to Ruth and I personally feel like it didn’t add much to the book as Nao’s story and personality on its own was so enchanting and different. Also did not enjoy reading about that super long dream I got so bored that I had to skip it but maybe that was just me