Reviews

Vida nas Sombras by Hiromi Goto

gingerbread_void's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a really interesting and touching story. The story was a bit slow to get started but once it did I couldn't put it down. I was so drawn in not only by the story but by the art style. The art was beautiful and dynamic especially for being only in black and white and being so clean. The art is what made this story for me.
I loved the metaphor woven throughout the whole story as well. It was brilliant and pointed. I also enjoyed how the main character was relieved to be bisexual without it turning into some big ordeal or a defining character trait it was just part of her.
Overall this graphic novel was stunning. I can not wait to share it and recommend it. I am already thinking of people I know who will love it as much as I do.

mercourier's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

LOVED THIS! The art, the older woman character, the blend of ghosts and death and spirits against the blantant reality of getting older. I adored Kumiko and the author's note at the back was a perfect end note. 

chortle's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

recommend for anyone reflecting on age, parenting or parents, love, cycles of life
- was emotionally resonating and I kept thinking of in the strong (queer) elders and women in my life

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madelinesedai's review against another edition

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emotional reflective

3.75

blasterbee's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mephistofelix's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective 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

5.0


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mootastic's review against another edition

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4.0

A great look at getting old and reflecting on the life you lived. The protagonist here, Kumiko, refuses to give in to old age. She's insistent to live on her own, despite the difficulty & protests of her children, and also engages in a very real fight against the manifestation of death. I really enjoyed how the book only touched on Kumiko's past, referencing events that made her who she is today instead of being bogged down in flashbacks.

I don't think every supernatural element worked for me, but I definitely recommend this book to anyone who thinks it sounds even slightly interesting.

sunsun886's review against another edition

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4.0

"Just because things didn't turn out the way you imagined doesn't mean that they weren't meant to happen..."

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

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4.0

This graphic novel featuring an aging Japanese Canadian bisexual mother has been on my tbr list for ages. I'm so glad I finally made the effort to pick it up and finish it! I loved the paranormal elements, the strong older female protagonist and the second chance at queer love plot line. We definitely need more books like this one telling relatable and compelling stories with wit and humor!! Highly recommended!!

joshbushey's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad fast-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? It's complicated

5.0