oplippoo 's review for:

Slow Boat by Hideo Furukawa
4.0
adventurous emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

The novella follows the narrator, a man who dreams because reality is an unfortunate accident, and he gravitates towards people who share his desire to escape. 

The novella adeptly switches between past and present, enhancing the overall atmosphere and adding to the intrigue. The writing style is informal, as if the narrator is confiding in an old friend, which works well in this instance. However, the presence of missing words and breaks in sentences can be frustrating and disrupt the reading experience.

One notable aspect is the lack of known names for the characters—they are simply referred to as the narrator, 1st girlfriend, 2nd girlfriend, and 3rd girlfriend. This unconventional approach adds appeal and curiosity to the book, and I was left wondering about their identities.

The 1st girlfriend, a tragic character at the age of 11, copes with rejection by immersing herself in the world of movies. Her growth over the years is poignant, and her eventual death is heartbreaking.

The 2nd girlfriend, aged 19, is a more eccentric character. Her belief that her areolae are maps adds a quirky element to the story, as she and the narrator embark on a quest to find her place in the world.

In contrast, the 3rd girlfriend is portrayed as a more normal character, skilled with knives.

While the storyline remains consistent and entertaining, the ending left me puzzled. Additionally, the narrator's objectifying view of women detracts from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Overall, despite its flaws, this novella offers an amazing reading experience with its engaging storyline and descriptive prose. However, the dehumanizing portrayal of women is a significant drawback.