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readtmc 's review for:
Himawari House
by Harmony Becker
Himawari House is a sweet coming -of-age story of discovery and friendship. Plot-wise, nothing much happens in this year in the life of the people of the Himawari share house, but Himawari House is all about the relationships. Harmony Becker illustrates everyday interactions as readers watch the characters become friends and lean on each other as they figure out their lives, along with glimpses of who they were before coming to Japan. Nao navigating her Japanese and American heritage is a familiar narrative, so having Hyejung’s and Tina’s perspectives provide a more global cultural aspect which, in addition to the multilingual dialogues, makes for more nuanced and complex experiences of the Asian diaspora (Becker’s note on accents at the end is worth highlighting).
While I didn’t become particularly attached to the characters or their storylines, I was surprised at how sad I was after turning the last page. It felt like I was just getting to know them and then it was time to say goodbye, which really captures part of growing up.
While I didn’t become particularly attached to the characters or their storylines, I was surprised at how sad I was after turning the last page. It felt like I was just getting to know them and then it was time to say goodbye, which really captures part of growing up.