A review by amritkaurpoetry
All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami

challenging 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

3.5

The first page was absolutely stunning, I loved loved loved how it was written. But then the first half of the book was so slow, sprinkle in the age gap between her and the guy she was crushing on and it was hard to get through. I know it was intentional, to reflect how the character approaches life, how she feels disconnected and how boring her life is. Maybe I couldn't connect with that feeling, but it felt a little too boring. And age gaps give me the ick. 

But, the later half of the book was so much better, it also flowed more and I found more of the beautiful writing I fell in love with on page one. Though the romance arc seemed to be moved on from too quickly, it was otherwise wrapped up well with a lyrical ending. 

I thought Fuyuko was a little too different from me but interesting. I loved Hijiri so much. Mitsutsuka was a weird and flat character.

I think I might give another one of her books a try, but maybe I won't expect a love story.