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A review by pangnaolin
The Premonition by Banana Yoshimoto
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Since I first read a word of her writing, I've adored Banana Yoshimoto's style, and The Premonition was no exception in that regard. It's simple and striking as always, and I remember especially loving her descriptions of the sort of tendrils Yayoi's aunt had on her. It was definitely a strong piece, though the translations were odd and seemed sort of wrong at one or two points, and I loved reading it in a line-by-line.
That said, the plot and themes got a little weird and felt a bit underdeveloped.Obviously, the incest and teacher-student relationship were incredibly odd, but I think I'm really just sad she didn't explore these relationships and what led to them more. I would've loved to see some sort of reflection/analysis on trauma & modeled relationships, and how they change how we look at things-- maybe even neurodivergency, too, as it seems clear to me that there's some sort of 'difference' in both Yayoi and Yukino, and even in Tetsuo. I wouldn't have mind the weirdness had she used it to her advantage and allowed it to enhance the story, characters, and plot, but instead, it just felt like sort of a cheap shock.
I think it speaks to the strengths of her writing in general and this book in particular, though, that these issues with the characters didn't make me hate them. I knew that they were weird and, to be frank, had enough problems that I didn't judge them as evil or gross or something right away. It was off-putting and uncomfortable, but I still enjoyed the book, and I was able to see the start of why they were acting & feeling the way they did. That's why I wanted more of that, I think. I wanted the story go to deeper.
I am glad I read it, though, especially because it was such a quick read. It felt sort of mystical and ethereal, and I enjoyed the energy & style. I'd recommend it despite its faults & room for improvement, though definitely not before a book of hers like Kitchen or Asleep.
That said, the plot and themes got a little weird and felt a bit underdeveloped.
I think it speaks to the strengths of her writing in general and this book in particular, though, that these issues with the characters didn't make me hate them. I knew that they were weird and, to be frank, had enough problems that I didn't judge them as evil or gross or something right away. It was off-putting and uncomfortable, but I still enjoyed the book, and I was able to see the start of why they were acting & feeling the way they did. That's why I wanted more of that, I think. I wanted the story go to deeper.
I am glad I read it, though, especially because it was such a quick read. It felt sort of mystical and ethereal, and I enjoyed the energy & style. I'd recommend it despite its faults & room for improvement, though definitely not before a book of hers like Kitchen or Asleep.