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hjb_128's review
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, Murder, Child abuse, Racism, Bullying, Violence, Physical abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
d_hryniuk's review
3.0
This novel has opened my eyes to a new perspective on Japan that I never expected to encounter. The heartbreaking portrayal of the struggles faced by children of North Korean ancestry, who are denied their rightful status as Japanese citizens, left me feeling deeply sympathetic. I was also intrigued by the protagonist's own search for identity, and his thought-provoking insights into how our nationality does not define us, given that we are likely descended from a multitude of backgrounds.
Regrettably, however, the novel also contained significant amounts of violence and cruel treatment of children that I found difficult to stomach. The protagonist often resorted to physical force to solve problems, a tendency that left me uncomfortable and disappointed.
I was horrified by the portrayal of parent-child relationships in Korean/Japanese culture, where it seems acceptable to beat one's own child to near death while still expecting unquestioning respect. Such behaviour is wholly unacceptable and nonsensical to me and left me reeling in disgust.
Regrettably, however, the novel also contained significant amounts of violence and cruel treatment of children that I found difficult to stomach. The protagonist often resorted to physical force to solve problems, a tendency that left me uncomfortable and disappointed.
I was horrified by the portrayal of parent-child relationships in Korean/Japanese culture, where it seems acceptable to beat one's own child to near death while still expecting unquestioning respect. Such behaviour is wholly unacceptable and nonsensical to me and left me reeling in disgust.
smuttea_matcha's review
4.0
I love the history and the perspective of Sugihara. I love how he's a fighter against the discrimination Koreans faced in Japan. I love his dynamics with his parents, Jeong-Il, and Sakurai. Each relationship showed a different side of Sugihara and just made me want to know him more. I can't say I'm a huge fan of Sakurai as I felt she was just annoying sometimes with how she played the dating game. While I enjoyed her relationship with Sugihara and how they exchanged books, music, and poems, I wasn't a huge fan of her individually.
terry_v's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
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
4.75
ethanpoole's review against another edition
3.0
This book had a lot of potential, but I found the plot too thin and the characters too unlikeable. The protagonist didn't seem to undergo much development over the novel, despite the many opportunities for him to grow.
coffeestove's review
4.0
Part monologues, part history lesson, and all coming of age story. Not bad. 3.5 stars.
belladonna230622's review
4.0
It wasn’t what I expected it to be, but I got hooked fairly quickly. Much like a tv drama, there are flash backs, lots of fighting and some quick moments of romance. I’m not someone who enjoys any form of violence, though sometimes I get drawn in by sociological factors. Such as this book. It really targets the deep racism that can be found in Japanese society, (as this book was written in the 2000’s I really hope that there has been a change to that). I cried a couple times, and was completely heartbroken by the discrimination that Sugihara and Jeong-il as well as many of the other characters go through. I was so utterly invested in the characters.
There were some times that the characters frustrated me, but I think that’s because they weren’t the perfect characters going through hardship. They felt very real, and they were flawed. I really recommend reading this!
There were some times that the characters frustrated me, but I think that’s because they weren’t the perfect characters going through hardship. They felt very real, and they were flawed. I really recommend reading this!