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A review by melodys_library
At the End of the Matinee by Keiichirō Hirano
4.0
Everything about this book was - to quote Hirano himself - “exquisitely sensitive and delicately balanced.” It very quietly worked its way into my heart. The story follows two people at the fragile age of 40-ish, both at peaks and crossroads with their careers, and separated by continents, who form the most intense emotional connection…but their individual insecurities drive them to lead separate lives.
This book is very character-driven, which I loved! It started as a slow-burn as the author built the foundation and background of the characters. The story really picked up for me around 30-50% as the characters gained tremendous depth through introspection. I know that feels like a long time to wait to “get into” a book, but I felt it was worth it. I would definitely read another book by Hirano, and wish more of his works were translated into English.
This book is very character-driven, which I loved! It started as a slow-burn as the author built the foundation and background of the characters. The story really picked up for me around 30-50% as the characters gained tremendous depth through introspection. I know that feels like a long time to wait to “get into” a book, but I felt it was worth it. I would definitely read another book by Hirano, and wish more of his works were translated into English.