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A review by lattelibrarian
Shizuko's Daughter by Kyoko Mori
4.0
This was a haunting and beautiful book--it's also the first and only YA novel to open with a suicide, which still creates some controversy. Though at times disjointed, this tale is told both through Shizuko's perspectives as well as others. This may work in its favor, however, given the fact that Shizuko is currently grieving and herself feels disjointed.
It's poetic, at times eerie, and sometimes disconnected--making it work on both the levels of face-level reading as well as a more attentive reading. Shizuko is a compelling character, and even more so given that she's Japanese and abides to her own rules rather than the cultural norms. While others don't understand her, her rebellion is so small and yet so huge at the same time--which only goes to show how rebellion doesn't necessarily translate easily across cultures.
Overall, this book was satisfying and enriching. Shizuko's struggles are all too relatable, and offer both understanding and resistance. Definitely well worth the read.
Review cross-listed here!
It's poetic, at times eerie, and sometimes disconnected--making it work on both the levels of face-level reading as well as a more attentive reading. Shizuko is a compelling character, and even more so given that she's Japanese and abides to her own rules rather than the cultural norms. While others don't understand her, her rebellion is so small and yet so huge at the same time--which only goes to show how rebellion doesn't necessarily translate easily across cultures.
Overall, this book was satisfying and enriching. Shizuko's struggles are all too relatable, and offer both understanding and resistance. Definitely well worth the read.
Review cross-listed here!