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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
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:
No
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
A sensitively written book- very enjoyable read.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
The Heartbeat Library by Laura Imai Messina - This novel blends poetic prose with a deeply emotional story, offering a reflective, almost meditative reading experience. Messina's writing is exquisite—each word feels carefully chosen, and each sentence is crafted with the precision of a delicate brushstroke on a canvas. While the slow pace may not be for everyone, it is, for me, a perfect fit for the reflective nature of the story.
At its core, the novel tells the story of Shuichi, a 40-year-old illustrator who returns to his childhood home in Kamakura after the passing of his mother, and Kenta, an eight-year-old boy who drifts aimlessly through the world, finding solace in the quiet corners of Shuichi’s life. The relationship between these two lonely souls unfolds gradually and tenderly, as they begin to share their grief, their pain, and ultimately their hope. Their bond is gentle and beautiful, a reminder of how healing can come in unexpected ways, often through the most unlikely of friendships.
Overall, The Heartbeat Library is a story that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, the ways in which we heal from grief, and the power of relationships to restore us. Messina’s writing is not just beautiful—it is transformative. The novel is a heartfelt meditation on life’s fragility and the connections that make it meaningful. If you're looking for a book that touches the soul and lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve finished, this is the one.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I really enjoyed this authors last book, so I was looking forward to this one too.
I do really enjoy the lyrical nature of her writing and how easy to read they are. The audiobook narrator was also really easy to listen to and I flew through this.
I enjoyed the story, it was poignant and emotive in places. I loved the nod to real places and enjoyed the way the narrative weaved together.
I do really enjoy the lyrical nature of her writing and how easy to read they are. The audiobook narrator was also really easy to listen to and I flew through this.
I enjoyed the story, it was poignant and emotive in places. I loved the nod to real places and enjoyed the way the narrative weaved together.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Picked up as an 6hr audio book with the expectation that this is usually a one or two day listen for me … sadly this took me much longer to finish as I found myself switching off frequently.
I will say that though Laura Imai Messina’s writing style is quite beautiful and created a gentle rhythm to the book, that I enjoyed and appreciated, there was almost no momentum the entire book.
This is definitely a more character orientated book and a lot of detail is given to this aspect but in doing so the plot itself felt quite stagnant and though the ending was touching, felt like a long slog to reach it and was exactly what you’d expect it to be from very early on.
I will say that though Laura Imai Messina’s writing style is quite beautiful and created a gentle rhythm to the book, that I enjoyed and appreciated, there was almost no momentum the entire book.
This is definitely a more character orientated book and a lot of detail is given to this aspect but in doing so the plot itself felt quite stagnant and though the ending was touching, felt like a long slog to reach it and was exactly what you’d expect it to be from very early on.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Death of parent
United States Publication: October 22, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and ABRAMS | The Overlook Press for this advanced reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.
In the ancient city of Kamakura, Shuichi, a 40-year-old illustrator, and eight-year-old Kenta, become unlikely friends. Kenta would visit Shuichi's now-deceased mother, and her home served as a warm place for Kenta to land. Both Kenta and Shuichi are deeply lonely on their own, and their respective stories, told throughout the book, give the reader insight into the cause of the loneliness our characters are experiencing. The underlying theme of Shuichi's life is his troublesome heart, and in the end, it is his heart that brings him healing.
Messina writes with a very lyrical voice. She is beautifully descriptive and gives a lot of thought to her characters, especially their inner lives and voices. I didn't feel like this story had any momentum until the last few pages. I almost gave up on it several times. It moved slowly, too slowly, in my opinion. Even several days after finishing it, I'm having a hard time recalling any moment of the story in which I connected. This one just wasn't for me, unfortunately.
Thank you to NetGalley and ABRAMS | The Overlook Press for this advanced reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.
In the ancient city of Kamakura, Shuichi, a 40-year-old illustrator, and eight-year-old Kenta, become unlikely friends. Kenta would visit Shuichi's now-deceased mother, and her home served as a warm place for Kenta to land. Both Kenta and Shuichi are deeply lonely on their own, and their respective stories, told throughout the book, give the reader insight into the cause of the loneliness our characters are experiencing. The underlying theme of Shuichi's life is his troublesome heart, and in the end, it is his heart that brings him healing.
Messina writes with a very lyrical voice. She is beautifully descriptive and gives a lot of thought to her characters, especially their inner lives and voices. I didn't feel like this story had any momentum until the last few pages. I almost gave up on it several times. It moved slowly, too slowly, in my opinion. Even several days after finishing it, I'm having a hard time recalling any moment of the story in which I connected. This one just wasn't for me, unfortunately.