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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Simple and heartwarming with a great message with respect to social stigma.
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Surpassed my expectations and not what I was expecting at all. I really enjoyed this story so much and it’s nothing like I’ve read before. I expected it to be Cozy but it was so much more than that. It is a slice of life book which sheds light on leprosy, the repercussions of one’s actions too and life lessons. I recommend it if you want a short read that’s educative and very alluring with its words.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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:
No
This is a sweet story (pun intended). This is the second translated book from Japanese that I have read in recent years, and both spent a great deal of time discussing Hansen’s Disease (aka leprosy) and the sanitariums. It must have been a real problem in Japan’s history.
As much as I enjoyed this story, I was not a fan of the audiobook narrator. This may be why I didn’t give it a 5-star rating. While I feel a bit guilty for taking a star away for the narrator, I feel like her interpretation of how the characters would have spoken detracted from the story. The whole time, I was annoyed by her depiction of Sentara, especially. At the same time, I kept feeling like I had heard this portrayal of a character before. I finally looked up the narrator & realized she also narrated the Noodle Shop Mysteries, which I listened to the first of, but couldn’t bring myself to listen to any more of the story because of the narrator. I’m sure she is a wonderful lady & she does have a beautiful voice, but I just get so annoyed by the depiction of every Japanese young man sounding so depressed & exasperated.
Content Warnings: suicide ideation & attempt, disease, disfigurement, prejudice against the disabled
It showed the people behind the horror with a great care of compassion and kindness. Will definitely read this again.
I love all the characters, Sukegawa does such an amazing job writing beloved and believable characters. The story was moving I got emotional. It was tragic, heartwarming and cozy all at the same time. The world is cruel but this story demonstrates the power of human connection.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes