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literarysaara's reviews
8 reviews
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Quotations that were meaningful for me as I read through this book....
"I never seek to defeat the man I am fighting," he (The Admiral) explained. "I seek to defeat his confidence. A mind troubled by doubt cannot focus on the course to victory. Two men are equals - true equals - only when they both have equal confidence."
I fell into a sound sleep and dreamed that I was at a banquet back in Gion, talking with an elderly man who was explaining to me that his wife, whom he'd cared for deeply, wasn't really dead because the pleasure of their time together lived on inside him. While he spoke these words, I drank from a bowl of the most extraordinary soup I'd ever tasted; every briny sip was a kind of ecstacy. I began to feel that all the people I'd ever known who had died or left me had not in fact gone away, but continued to live on inside me just as this man's wife lived on inside him. I felt as though I were drinking them all in - my sister, Satsu, who had run away and left me so young; my father and mother; Mr Tanaka, with his perverse view of kindness; Nobu, who could never forgive me; even the Chairman. The soup was filled with all that I'd ever cared for in my life; and while I drank it, this man spoke his words right into my heart.
But now I know that our world is no more permanent than a wave rising on the ocean. Whatever our struggles and triumphs, however we may suffer them, all too soon they bleed into a wash, just like watery ink on paper.
Now that this context has been covered, onto the review! Overall, this is a beautifully written book that sheds light on a less-understood aspect of Japanese culture - the Geisha. The story is told from a first-person perspective of Sayuri (birth name, Chiyo), who is sold by her father to an Okiya (a Geisha House in Japan) in Gion, Kyoto. The pace is not too slow nor too drab - the story flows beautifully and holds your fascination well. The descriptions and explanations are detailed, and overall the book is a wonderful tapestry of intricate, rich, interesting story-telling. It's just a shame that the context behind the writing of this book is poor ethically, which does spoil it a bit for me. Nevertheless, reading this book has only made me want to read Geisha of Gion even more, and I'm looking forward to seeing the similarities and differences between these two books.
"I never seek to defeat the man I am fighting," he (The Admiral) explained. "I seek to defeat his confidence. A mind troubled by doubt cannot focus on the course to victory. Two men are equals - true equals - only when they both have equal confidence."
I fell into a sound sleep and dreamed that I was at a banquet back in Gion, talking with an elderly man who was explaining to me that his wife, whom he'd cared for deeply, wasn't really dead because the pleasure of their time together lived on inside him. While he spoke these words, I drank from a bowl of the most extraordinary soup I'd ever tasted; every briny sip was a kind of ecstacy. I began to feel that all the people I'd ever known who had died or left me had not in fact gone away, but continued to live on inside me just as this man's wife lived on inside him. I felt as though I were drinking them all in - my sister, Satsu, who had run away and left me so young; my father and mother; Mr Tanaka, with his perverse view of kindness; Nobu, who could never forgive me; even the Chairman. The soup was filled with all that I'd ever cared for in my life; and while I drank it, this man spoke his words right into my heart.
But now I know that our world is no more permanent than a wave rising on the ocean. Whatever our struggles and triumphs, however we may suffer them, all too soon they bleed into a wash, just like watery ink on paper.
Now that this context has been covered, onto the review! Overall, this is a beautifully written book that sheds light on a less-understood aspect of Japanese culture - the Geisha. The story is told from a first-person perspective of Sayuri (birth name, Chiyo), who is sold by her father to an Okiya (a Geisha House in Japan) in Gion, Kyoto. The pace is not too slow nor too drab - the story flows beautifully and holds your fascination well. The descriptions and explanations are detailed, and overall the book is a wonderful tapestry of intricate, rich, interesting story-telling. It's just a shame that the context behind the writing of this book is poor ethically, which does spoil it a bit for me. Nevertheless, reading this book has only made me want to read Geisha of Gion even more, and I'm looking forward to seeing the similarities and differences between these two books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Bullying, Trafficking, Emotional abuse, and Slavery
Minor: War
Akira, Vol. 1 by Katsuhiro Otomo
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This futuristic, supernatural, science-fictionesque story takes place in Neo-Tokyo, a city built upon the ruins of a WWIII annihilated Tokyo. Tetsuo and Kaneda, both poverty stricken juveniles who are part of the same biker gang, become embroiled in the activities of a secret government agency involved in human experimentation - and the terrorist organisation determined to get to the bottom of their mysterious agenda, which all seems to revolve around a mysterious power known as Akira.
A well-drawn, medium-paced read that is incredibly well-fleshed out - both in terms of world building and character development. A very stimulating read indeed, I'm excited to discover what the true nature of Akira is in the next few volumes.
A well-drawn, medium-paced read that is incredibly well-fleshed out - both in terms of world building and character development. A very stimulating read indeed, I'm excited to discover what the true nature of Akira is in the next few volumes.
What We Don't Talk About by Charlot Kristensen
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A short, but reflective and emotional read about some of the uglier risks that interracial couples face when it comes to being accepted and respected as individuals on either side of the family. A very vibrant and comforting art style accompanies this emotional story, which I like.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Religious bigotry
Minor: Emotional abuse
Levius/est, Vol. 1 by Haruhisa Nakata
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I was incredibly intrigued by the blurb of this manga volume, as it mentions that the story takes place in a cybernetic, dystopian world that is still recovering from the effects of a war. Levius is a Mechanical Martial Arts fighter - a cybernetically augmented fighter who has been augmented into a brutal fighting and killing machine.
The reading pace of most manga and graphic novels are usually faster than the average text-only book, but I found this manga to be incredibly more fast-paced than other manga volumes I have read up until now. Perhaps this is because there are multiple flashbacks throughout the dialogues of multiple characters, which can at times make understanding what's happening a bit confusing. I'm guessing that with continuous reading of the series, the flashbacks will start to make more sense. As an introduction to the series, I'd say this first volume is a 50/50 - it has all the key elements of a fictional world I want to desperately get absorbed in, but the way it's written and the initial pace makes it more difficult to do so. I will read the second volume of this series and depending on how I find that read, I will either continue reading through the series or not.
The reading pace of most manga and graphic novels are usually faster than the average text-only book, but I found this manga to be incredibly more fast-paced than other manga volumes I have read up until now. Perhaps this is because there are multiple flashbacks throughout the dialogues of multiple characters, which can at times make understanding what's happening a bit confusing. I'm guessing that with continuous reading of the series, the flashbacks will start to make more sense. As an introduction to the series, I'd say this first volume is a 50/50 - it has all the key elements of a fictional world I want to desperately get absorbed in, but the way it's written and the initial pace makes it more difficult to do so. I will read the second volume of this series and depending on how I find that read, I will either continue reading through the series or not.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
Moderate: Death and Blood
Minor: Torture, Slavery, War, Mental illness, and Violence
Sneeze by Naoki Urasawa
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
"Sneeze: a sudden expiration of breath. A short work as opposed to a long work. It can make even the most beautiful person look momentarily ugly."
Damiyan!
A gangster gets mixed up with 2 kids who offer a special kind of service for a price - causing physical harm to someone through sheer willpower. A short yet entertaining read, though I think the ending was wrapped up a little too abruptly.
Throw Toward the Moon!
A reporter discovers that the prophecy a homeless psychic told him years ago was in fact true, leading him down a rabbit hole of uncovering the mysteries behind the reason why this psychic went from acclaimed and sought-after to homeless and destitute. One of my favourite short stories in this book for sure.
The Old Guys, It's a Beautiful Day & Musica Nostra
Drawn personal anecdotes from Naoki Urasawa himself.
Henry and Charles
Naoki Urasawa's version of Tom and Jerry. A light but funny read in this compilation.
Kaiju Kingdom
A Kaiju obsessed French-man travels to Japan for the chance to see a Kaiju invading Tokyo in real life, and learns the not-so glamorous truth behind the Kaiju tourism industry along the way. Also one of my favourite short stories in this compilation.
Tanshin Funin/Solo Mission
What I presume is Naoki Urasawa's version of ant-man must travel to earth to battle some new, dangerous enemies.
Damiyan!
A gangster gets mixed up with 2 kids who offer a special kind of service for a price - causing physical harm to someone through sheer willpower. A short yet entertaining read, though I think the ending was wrapped up a little too abruptly.
Throw Toward the Moon!
A reporter discovers that the prophecy a homeless psychic told him years ago was in fact true, leading him down a rabbit hole of uncovering the mysteries behind the reason why this psychic went from acclaimed and sought-after to homeless and destitute. One of my favourite short stories in this book for sure.
The Old Guys, It's a Beautiful Day & Musica Nostra
Drawn personal anecdotes from Naoki Urasawa himself.
Henry and Charles
Naoki Urasawa's version of Tom and Jerry. A light but funny read in this compilation.
Kaiju Kingdom
A Kaiju obsessed French-man travels to Japan for the chance to see a Kaiju invading Tokyo in real life, and learns the not-so glamorous truth behind the Kaiju tourism industry along the way. Also one of my favourite short stories in this compilation.
Tanshin Funin/Solo Mission
What I presume is Naoki Urasawa's version of ant-man must travel to earth to battle some new, dangerous enemies.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Physical abuse, Bullying, and Violence
Mild nudity in one of the short stories.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The story follows a young Dorian Gray, who even for his youth is considered remarkably beautiful and good looking, and how his alarmingly captivating beauty coupled with the effect that it seems to have on those around him, serves him throughout his life and ultimately, in his downfall. From the very beginning we are introduced to two characters that will play major roles in Dorian's character development - Lord Henry and Basil Hallward. As the story progresses, the effect of these dear friends upon Dorian becomes increasingly apparent as his personality twists and changes to one that is very different from the Dorian we are introduced to in the beginning of the book.
Oscar Wilde has a gift for description it seems, as he paints vivid and extensively detailed images within the reader's mind. Coupled with the immense length of certain characters' monologues, this can at times, make this book a dreary read. Indeed, it took until I'd gotten through almost half the story for the plot to start to pick up and become truly interesting. If you are the kind of person who enjoys reading long character monologues and rumenations, you will thoroughly this book. However, if you're looking for an easy read that is quick to digest, look elsewhere for this book is not it.
Oscar Wilde has a gift for description it seems, as he paints vivid and extensively detailed images within the reader's mind. Coupled with the immense length of certain characters' monologues, this can at times, make this book a dreary read. Indeed, it took until I'd gotten through almost half the story for the plot to start to pick up and become truly interesting. If you are the kind of person who enjoys reading long character monologues and rumenations, you will thoroughly this book. However, if you're looking for an easy read that is quick to digest, look elsewhere for this book is not it.
Intimacies by Katie Kitamura
emotional
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A reflective, easy-to-read story that is the combination of 3 main ingredients combined into the melting pot that is this book: self-reflection, people-watching, and a strong desire to feel as if you belong to a place.
The story is told through the eyes of a half-Japanese, half-Caucasian woman who has recently moved to the Netherlands for interpretive/translation work for a local court. As she adjusts to this life in a new country, she begins to notice the small moments of intimacy that occur both within her work as an interpretor/translator, but also within her personal life as she adjusts to this new place, amongst new people. A prolific people-watcher, she has a strong desire to feel as if she belongs somewhere. And as the story progresses, we as the readers accompany her on this journey of self-discovery, and the tumultuous nature of interpersonal relationships and encounters.
The story is told through the eyes of a half-Japanese, half-Caucasian woman who has recently moved to the Netherlands for interpretive/translation work for a local court. As she adjusts to this life in a new country, she begins to notice the small moments of intimacy that occur both within her work as an interpretor/translator, but also within her personal life as she adjusts to this new place, amongst new people. A prolific people-watcher, she has a strong desire to feel as if she belongs somewhere. And as the story progresses, we as the readers accompany her on this journey of self-discovery, and the tumultuous nature of interpersonal relationships and encounters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Cursing, Death of parent, and Genocide
Address Unknown by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A series of fictional letters between a Jewish art dealer living in San Francisco and his former business partner, who has returned to Germany. In this short, reflective read the changes that post WWI Germany undergoes to become Nazi Germany are exposed in a series of letters between two friends communicating from different parts of the world.
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