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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
The only reason I gave this 4.5 ⭐️ instead of 5 is because I wanted MORE 😊 An epilogue to let me know what Sentaro was up to, how he was doing…but the book is like Life, one cannot always have what one wants! And also, because I listened to the audiobook and didn’t like the narrator. Her accent was too anglicised in my opinion.
This book was an unexpected gem. I anticipated another sparsely written, matter-of-fact story of lonely characters going about their routines in the manner of ‘usual’ Japanese literature. But Sweet Bean Paste and Sukegawa surprised me with the emotions infused throughout! Yes, there was no overwhelming melodrama (that would have been a shocking departure indeed!), but there was enough emotion on the page - overt and covert - to warm my heart ☺️ That letter from Tokue to Sentaro at the end alone was worth the read. It was wise, compassionate and encouraging without being judgmental. It was accepting without being sappy. It brought happy tears 😊
This is a character driven narrative in which an old woman, a middle-aged man and a teenage girl manage to form connections and find friendship. They are superficially from different backgrounds but the loneliness that binds them is deeply familiar. I loved Tokue best - she reminded me so much of my darling Granny - my hero - someone who faced different challenges from Tokue but who fought them just as spiritedly. The story is simple but tackles a time in Japanese history that I was completely unaware of. As a doctor, Tokue’s disease and its consequences and societal attitudes are only too familiar and enraging. But life isn’t fair and we must deal with the hand were dealt has best we can. Tokue embodies this spirit.
The Cherry trees were an added joy as we followed them through different seasons and their blossoms formed a picturesque background to this poignant tale. I’ve just found out that there’s a Japanese film based on the book and will watch it to see if stays true to this wonderful, warm story. This book has served to deepen my already deep love for Japanese literature. A talented new author found ♥️
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy subtly nuanced, slice of life, cosy, character-driven stories with a little wisdom and a lot of friendship.
This book was an unexpected gem. I anticipated another sparsely written, matter-of-fact story of lonely characters going about their routines in the manner of ‘usual’ Japanese literature. But Sweet Bean Paste and Sukegawa surprised me with the emotions infused throughout! Yes, there was no overwhelming melodrama (that would have been a shocking departure indeed!), but there was enough emotion on the page - overt and covert - to warm my heart ☺️ That letter from Tokue to Sentaro at the end alone was worth the read. It was wise, compassionate and encouraging without being judgmental. It was accepting without being sappy. It brought happy tears 😊
This is a character driven narrative in which an old woman, a middle-aged man and a teenage girl manage to form connections and find friendship. They are superficially from different backgrounds but the loneliness that binds them is deeply familiar. I loved Tokue best - she reminded me so much of my darling Granny - my hero - someone who faced different challenges from Tokue but who fought them just as spiritedly. The story is simple but tackles a time in Japanese history that I was completely unaware of. As a doctor, Tokue’s disease and its consequences and societal attitudes are only too familiar and enraging. But life isn’t fair and we must deal with the hand were dealt has best we can. Tokue embodies this spirit.
The Cherry trees were an added joy as we followed them through different seasons and their blossoms formed a picturesque background to this poignant tale. I’ve just found out that there’s a Japanese film based on the book and will watch it to see if stays true to this wonderful, warm story. This book has served to deepen my already deep love for Japanese literature. A talented new author found ♥️
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy subtly nuanced, slice of life, cosy, character-driven stories with a little wisdom and a lot of friendship.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A quiet book, with a touching ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Grief
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
People's lives never stay the same color forever. There are times where the color of life changes completely. 🌸🌸
Heartfelt and cozy, while still being thoughtful. It makes me want to curl up with a cup of tea and comfort food. It's the story of unlikely friends who are, in some way or another, perceived negatively by others. The characters are likable and warm despite their faults (with the exception of the shop owner, who frankly, can kick rocks). It has gentle, simple writing, and metaphors that are beautiful and soft. It addresses sometimes dark, sad topics with straightforward grace.
emotional
lighthearted
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
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes