Reviews

El cielo es azul, la tierra blanca by Hiromi Kawakami

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bellebeaumont95's review against another edition

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reflective relaxing tense

2.25

sarahnh's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted fast-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

4.0

Cute

livvywivvy's review against another edition

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3.0

There is alot to say but also nothing at all. This book, although a 'love story', really tells the story of the lonliness one feels from day to day, whether alone, with someone or with friends. My heart breaks alittle for Tsukiko when reading that her lonliness had been subdued for a short amount of time after finallyyyyyyyyy entering into a relationship with Sensei, before he passed away. I wish the story continued but i liked the authors note at the end of the book, which basically just said that even she didnt know what was next in Tsukiko's story.

I found the age gap between Tsukiko and Sensei alittle jarring at times though, although I was able to forget about it at some points, I feel like it being mentioned by the main character multiple times made it difficult to overcome. It just felt weird, but maybe thats because i am barely out of highschool and in general would never have a romatic relationship with a 70 year old.

doustreads's review against another edition

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2.0

When I first started reading this, I was really captured by the slow way Tsukimo and Sensei developed a friendship and it’s almost awkward nature where neither of them would initiate seeing each other, it had to be by chance. I liked the slow pace and writing style, with it feeling like a rainy, slow day in Japan.

However, I was then really disappointed that it developed into a love story. It just felt to me that the plot had suddenly taken a big, unneeded turn. The fact that he used to be her teacher and the over 30 year age gap, just didn’t sit right with me. It just took it from being quite a sweet friendship to uncomfortable.

While I enjoyed how it was written, the way it went from friendship to romance, took me away from the tranquil Japan vibe and left me more dissatisfied.