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peasandpancakes's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
First of all: Why has every version of the cover art a cat on it when there are a grand total of 0 cats in the book?
I read this book in Dutch and I am sure most of my opinions on it are because the translation felt very bad. The sentences just did not flow well at all, which made it jarring to read. Besides that, I wonder if there is just too much of a culture gap here for me to understand this book and its characters.
I disliked the main character, Takako. Sure, she got out of a bad relationship and was feeling depressed, but she was behaving like such a whiny child that I often forgot she was supposed to be 25.
The whole storyline with the aunt that came back after rudely disappearing for 5 years, was so weird. Were we supposed to feel for her? Because I kinda didn’t. Sure, she was still processing the loss of their child, but it still felt flat.
I’m also going to say it, there are some… questionable things in the story and language used. First, the bath scene felt weird. Second, why was Takako asked if she was into girls when she was (in a strange way I agree) trying to hug her aunt? She was asked the same when she looked at a waitress for 3 seconds earlier in the book. To me that is just not something to joke about
So yeah. Me and this book did not vibe, but if I ever get the chance to read it in English, I am willing to try it.
I read this book in Dutch and I am sure most of my opinions on it are because the translation felt very bad. The sentences just did not flow well at all, which made it jarring to read. Besides that, I wonder if there is just too much of a culture gap here for me to understand this book and its characters.
I disliked the main character, Takako. Sure, she got out of a bad relationship and was feeling depressed, but she was behaving like such a whiny child that I often forgot she was supposed to be 25.
I’m also going to say it, there are some… questionable things in the story and language used. First, the bath scene felt weird. Second, why was Takako asked if she was into girls when she was (in a strange way I agree) trying to hug her aunt? She was asked the same when she looked at a waitress for 3 seconds earlier in the book. To me that is just not something to joke about
So yeah. Me and this book did not vibe, but if I ever get the chance to read it in English, I am willing to try it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Child death, Grief, Infidelity, and Miscarriage
Minor: Abortion, Homophobia, and Infertility
jacquinotjackie's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, Infertility, and Infidelity
james_burridge's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is a book about learning to take a break and I loved it the writing was EXCEPTIONAL and it was translated from Japanese which is jaw dropping.
It’s incredibly cosy and heart warming (I also loved the little romance sub plot) and I feel a great book to start with when it comes to translated novels. I literally felt like this was a studio Ghibli film in a book.(I also binge read the absolute HECK out of it).The story was like reading the life of a nice person and I liked that.
However, I feel like the characters were a bit 1-sided and never really had any development apart from their relationships.(apart from Takako and Momoko)Also, the 2-part story Just felt like two separate story’s not one and they didn’t really link in any way.
Overall,I like the book(btw this is 3.5 stars rounded up)
It’s incredibly cosy and heart warming (I also loved the little romance sub plot) and I feel a great book to start with when it comes to translated novels. I literally felt like this was a studio Ghibli film in a book.(I also binge read the absolute HECK out of it).The story was like reading the life of a nice person and I liked that.
However, I feel like the characters were a bit 1-sided and never really had any development apart from their relationships.(apart from Takako and Momoko)Also, the 2-part story Just felt like two separate story’s not one and they didn’t really link in any way.
Overall,I like the book(btw this is 3.5 stars rounded up)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Pregnancy, and Miscarriage
Minor: Child death, Alcoholism, and Abortion
elpalmer's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
I picked this up for the first time many months ago and couldn’t get into it, but then I got dumped and it was a perfect little benign escape for a busy brain! I don’t think the story will stick me in the long term, though.
Content Warnings
Minor: Miscarriage, Infertility, Terminal illness, and Infidelity
navayiota's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"It's important to stand still sometimes. Think of it as a little rest in the long journey of your life. This is your harbour, and your boat is just dropping anchor here for a little while. And after you're well rested, you can set sail again"
Enjoyable and inspiring. It's good to read stories about finding the joy in slow, peaceful life. Now I'm in the mood to check out the authors mentioned in the book!
Enjoyable and inspiring. It's good to read stories about finding the joy in slow, peaceful life. Now I'm in the mood to check out the authors mentioned in the book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Abandonment, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Infertility, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, and Alcohol
mtnmama19's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I couldn't put it down! This charming story about a young woman finding her way some to me on a number of levels.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity, Miscarriage, Cancer, Infertility, and Abortion
misuki's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, and Infertility
Minor: Death of parent and Mental illness
canadianforest's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Abortion and Infertility
amiiliy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, and Terminal illness
imogenlj's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
A lovely little volume and an easy yet emotionally compelling read. Lessons are learned and personal growth achieved against the charming backdrop of a secondhand bookshop.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, and Alcohol