A review by xangemtheelibrarian
The Lost Souls of Benzaiten by Kelly Murashige

challenging hopeful sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is probably going to be one of the best books I've read in 2024. This is such a real exploration of mental health. The things Machi thinks are things I've thought myself on days the depresso espresso is brewed a little too strong. Her desire to just be a robot vacuum cleaner-- interacted with when needed, but never expected to do anything outside of it's predetermined role-- is relatable to say the least. I get Machi on a level I never thought I could. 

Every single one of these characters is so complex. Especially Machi and Benzaiten. Murashige did an excellent job of creating characters that feel painfully like real people. There are other stories I've read in the past that have characters like the ones in this story: no one is really good or bad. Just people with complicated motivations, trauma, and emotions doing their best to try not to hurt other people while figuring out how they want to live their life. (The people in Machi's mother's hometown being excluded of course. >.>) 

Then there are the lost souls Machi gets to connect with through Benzaiten. The children who died too soon, whose memories are vivid and painful to read. Each of their stories, as tragic as they are, help Machi to heal too. Because if those lost spirits can move on, she can too, right? 

This was just good. It was SO good. I am rooting so hard for Machi. She's a sweet little bean who deserves the world.
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