A review by ziann
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

4.0

This is the first none romance book that i've read, something that is leaning more on contemporary side and i'd say that i was actually satisfied with what i read. i've read this book without knowing or expecting anything about it and i'd still enjoyed the journey nonetheless, although some parts bored me. 

Tokue is such an interesting character, i've felt that strong connection with her more than what i had with Sentaro. she managed to make me cry with just few words, i could feel my heart breaking whenever she opens up about the things that she had experienced. i've been in a long reading slump and after so many years, a book made me tear up again. so satisfying. Sentaro didn't interest me that much, tho. as well as Wakana. i feel like at some point their characters were too flat and empty compared to Tokue. 

i find the writing simple but still magical. especially with the way the writer describes the surrounding first, mostly focusing on the season and then moving on with narration. straightforward but still captivating. i love the reflections, quotable quotes and all that in this book, especially with how Tokue perceived the world. her mind is a garden full of blooming flowers that i want to live in it. 

the ending for me was too open, in a way that it left me hanging with a bittersweet taste. i just hope it was wrapped more nicely. you know at least giving us a glimpse of what would have been waiting for their future. that's the only thing that i want in the end. i cried with what happened, but at the same time i had already expected it from the beginning. i'm just glad that Tokue can finally live somewhere where she is free and bright and happy.