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offbalance80's review against another edition
2.0
I've always considered myself a fan of Yoshimoto's works, but this didn't do it for me. I'd hoped for a return to form, but this was so unfocused it wound up as uninteresting. It felt like a overly padded short story, and might have been stronger with a stronger edit.
gina760's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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? No
3.0
hayleymay1963's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
katiejames's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
pagesofpins's review against another edition
3.0
Not sure what to think of this otherworldly, sparsely written book, other than: don't read the dust jacket.
xegc's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
elenavarg's review against another edition
4.0
Reread 01/07/2022
(Can’t believe I didn’t review this book the first time I read it!)
The lake has to be one of my favorites from Yoshimoto, but it sadly is also the only one I don’t own myself. Lucky for me, our library system in HKI area has several copies!
The athmosphere of the story is so serene and dream-like, yet extremely real. It explores trauma and how to come to terms with it, especially as a person who’s loved ones are the ones dealing with it. It’s a hard truth, learning that just loving someone isn’t enough to rid them of their trauma. The book also addresses different ”levels” of trauma and although others might have it ”worse”, your feelings are also valid.
The protagonist being a mural painter has to be my favorite side plot in a novel! I loved reading about her process and long to paint murals again someday.
(Can’t believe I didn’t review this book the first time I read it!)
The lake has to be one of my favorites from Yoshimoto, but it sadly is also the only one I don’t own myself. Lucky for me, our library system in HKI area has several copies!
The athmosphere of the story is so serene and dream-like, yet extremely real. It explores trauma and how to come to terms with it, especially as a person who’s loved ones are the ones dealing with it. It’s a hard truth, learning that just loving someone isn’t enough to rid them of their trauma. The book also addresses different ”levels” of trauma and although others might have it ”worse”, your feelings are also valid.
The protagonist being a mural painter has to be my favorite side plot in a novel! I loved reading about her process and long to paint murals again someday.
thenthememoriesfade's review against another edition
emotional
3.0
I was excited to pick up this one since I am a big fan of Banana Yoshimoto's works. That's why I'm surprised that I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Overall, it was a nice book, but my biggest issue is that it didn't feel like it was written by Banana Yoshimoto. I guess that's why it didn't grip me like it usually does.