A review by hannahmariebrankley
The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was a book I had to DNF, and not because of any particular fault with the writing or plot. But simply because I wasn’t connecting with it emotionally. I’ve been loving translated fiction lately, especially what’s often called “healing fiction.” Books that are gentle, reflective, and quietly powerful. But this one felt more heavy than healing.

The message behind the story is beautiful, and the journey the characters go on is deeply emotional. I made it over 200 pages in, and I could appreciate the intention and care in the storytelling. The writing itself was strong, especially for a translated work. It captured the atmosphere and emotion well. But the tone was just too sad for me at the time I was reading it.

Sometimes it’s about timing, and this simply wasn’t the right book for me right now. I can absolutely see why others would find it moving and meaningful, it just wasn’t the kind of “healing” I needed.