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austinsmart's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
ambergamgee's review against another edition
3.0
A quiet and simple little book. Reminded me a bit of Convenience Store Girl, which I really loved. I liked the format, it reads like a singular novel, but each chapter also feels like a short story. It was my before bed book, and it was nice for that.
Spoilers ahead
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The whole time I was reading it was a 4 star, but when it turned to romance, it dropped to 3. I felt like the romance aspect cheapened their relationship. I loved that a 30-something woman and an old retired widower could be friends. Their friendship was quiet and sweet. I didn't believe or like the romance (not that I'm against May/December romance) but....why couldn't the friendship be enough for the story? I thought the whole book that it was about friendship and I loved that. I wish the last 2-3 chapters that had them as a couple were not there.
Spoilers ahead
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The whole time I was reading it was a 4 star, but when it turned to romance, it dropped to 3. I felt like the romance aspect cheapened their relationship. I loved that a 30-something woman and an old retired widower could be friends. Their friendship was quiet and sweet. I didn't believe or like the romance (not that I'm against May/December romance) but....why couldn't the friendship be enough for the story? I thought the whole book that it was about friendship and I loved that. I wish the last 2-3 chapters that had them as a couple were not there.
lauracooleyjohnson's review against another edition
4.0
I am in Tokyo now and like to read fiction that is by local authors. This was short, a bit odd to this Westerner (as much Japanese fiction is to me), but yet soulful and beautiful too. It made me think that if I had time to reflect more on the poetry and language, I’d find deeper meaning there. I found the generational commentary to be interesting, and the love story heartfelt. And the food and drink are a main character that brings this little story to life.
acmo's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
lucyla's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
the_sunken_library's review against another edition
5.0
A subtle, touching and irrevocably beautiful little book about the tenous love that blossoms after the chance meeting of a student and her teacher over warm sake and bar snacks.
This tale is sensitively told, theres nothing graphic or sleazy about the relationship that developes. Its an honest and stark reflection of Japanese society while also being a window into the minds of two very normal individuals who form a bond that deftly ignores the waning years between them. Its not rushed, its not forced, it just is and what is is wonderful, even right up until the inevitable ending.
This tale is sensitively told, theres nothing graphic or sleazy about the relationship that developes. Its an honest and stark reflection of Japanese society while also being a window into the minds of two very normal individuals who form a bond that deftly ignores the waning years between them. Its not rushed, its not forced, it just is and what is is wonderful, even right up until the inevitable ending.
shuheda's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.0
nerv_atz's review against another edition
4.0
I am amazed at how many Japanese authors can write a story with not a lot of plot going on but still makes you feel empty.
oxnard_montalvo's review against another edition
3.0
A very quiet tale. Our protagonists go out drinking and don't talk about their feelings. Ever.
I'd say this is a story of cautious love. Love forming uncertainly, tentatively and tenderly. Not a lot of action, kids. A story of the mundane. Hard to really put inot words but it's rather bittersweetly frustrating. I would have liked a little more than what I got. Sensei didn't feel complete. Although there are moment he is almost there, and a lovely sequence in a seaside inn.
I'd say this is a story of cautious love. Love forming uncertainly, tentatively and tenderly. Not a lot of action, kids. A story of the mundane. Hard to really put inot words but it's rather bittersweetly frustrating. I would have liked a little more than what I got. Sensei didn't feel complete. Although there are moment he is almost there, and a lovely sequence in a seaside inn.