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mions's reviews
9 reviews
I Am a Cat by Natsume Sōseki
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
This book is referenced in plenty of media, so I am glad I have now read it and can understand those better!
What’d I think of the book itself though? Ehh... I don’t think the writing style used here is really for me. I found myself losing focus rather often.
I don’t think it’s a problem with Natsume as an author. I have been reading Bocchan at the same time I was reading I Am a Cat, never facing the same problems with it. It’s likely mainly the fact that I expected this story to be more from the cat’s perspective, but at times… well, I would say rather often, its voice gets completely drowned out by the discussions of the human characters at times. There were a few moments where I felt for the cat or was amused by its commentary, but I wish there were more of those moments.
Wish there was more of the actual cat, less details about the ponderings of the humans around. But with the cultural relevance, a worthwhile reading experience nonetheless
What’d I think of the book itself though? Ehh... I don’t think the writing style used here is really for me. I found myself losing focus rather often.
I don’t think it’s a problem with Natsume as an author. I have been reading Bocchan at the same time I was reading I Am a Cat, never facing the same problems with it. It’s likely mainly the fact that I expected this story to be more from the cat’s perspective, but at times… well, I would say rather often, its voice gets completely drowned out by the discussions of the human characters at times. There were a few moments where I felt for the cat or was amused by its commentary, but I wish there were more of those moments.
Wish there was more of the actual cat, less details about the ponderings of the humans around. But with the cultural relevance, a worthwhile reading experience nonetheless
Discourse on Decadence by Ango Sakaguchi
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Wow. Not going to lie, kind of dumbfounded. I really was not expecting to be moved, yet alone to this extent.
From the small description I read beforehand I was expecting this to be very focused on politics, and while that’s not exactly untrue the focal point is most definitely human nature itself.
From the small description I read beforehand I was expecting this to be very focused on politics, and while that’s not exactly untrue the focal point is most definitely human nature itself.
“Beauty left uncompleted is not beauty”
That sentence is going to stay with me.
Despite being very focused on post WW2 Japan, this text is incredibly relevant in the current world situation. With the commentary on how we work both individually and as a society, it’ll likely stay relevant for possibly the rest of our species’ run on this planet.
While it hasn’t completely transformed my perspective, this essay has definitely influenced how I’ll perceive the concept of history going forward.
Additionally, there are surprising small (likely not always completely intended, yet still pertinent) takes in relation to unexpected topics such as purity culture, beauty standards and gender roles. As they aren’t the main focus they’re not very refined, but the roughness comes across with a great sense of self awareness accompanying it, which I found impressive.
Overall, wonderful essay with great writing, certainly exceeded my expectations.
Despite being very focused on post WW2 Japan, this text is incredibly relevant in the current world situation. With the commentary on how we work both individually and as a society, it’ll likely stay relevant for possibly the rest of our species’ run on this planet.
While it hasn’t completely transformed my perspective, this essay has definitely influenced how I’ll perceive the concept of history going forward.
Additionally, there are surprising small (likely not always completely intended, yet still pertinent) takes in relation to unexpected topics such as purity culture, beauty standards and gender roles. As they aren’t the main focus they’re not very refined, but the roughness comes across with a great sense of self awareness accompanying it, which I found impressive.
Overall, wonderful essay with great writing, certainly exceeded my expectations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Death and Suicide
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
dark
funny
fast-paced
3.5
I had heard a great deal about The Metamorphosis before ever reading it, and believe that it does live up to its name.
Shortly after finishing the book, I asked a friend of mine for her opinion of the book, and was thoroughly surprised to find out she actually hated it! While I don’t share the same opinion, most of her reasoning is solid enough. There isn’t actually all that much happening in terms of plot development, and the absurd presentation of Gregor’s issue may cause confusion or disdain in some. But personally I did enjoy this story. It’s a sad one, but made me chuckle a bit here and there thanks to Kafka’s vivid detailing. I found the writing to be rather clever, and I don’t think there was a single moment I found myself snoozing off despite the rather stationary state of affairs.
There is one part of my friend’s description of The Metamorphosis that I completely disagree with, that being that it is “self-pitying”. While the situation in the story is indeed pitiful, considering the topic of the book, I found Gregor as a protagonist to be surprisingly headstrong. When going into a book known for depicting depression, you kind of expect the main character to be full of pessimism and nihilism, so getting a character who’s actually very intent and eager to (literally) get back on their feet but is simply unable to do so was a breath of fresh air
Shortly after finishing the book, I asked a friend of mine for her opinion of the book, and was thoroughly surprised to find out she actually hated it! While I don’t share the same opinion, most of her reasoning is solid enough. There isn’t actually all that much happening in terms of plot development, and the absurd presentation of Gregor’s issue may cause confusion or disdain in some. But personally I did enjoy this story. It’s a sad one, but made me chuckle a bit here and there thanks to Kafka’s vivid detailing. I found the writing to be rather clever, and I don’t think there was a single moment I found myself snoozing off despite the rather stationary state of affairs.
There is one part of my friend’s description of The Metamorphosis that I completely disagree with, that being that it is “self-pitying”. While the situation in the story is indeed pitiful, considering the topic of the book, I found Gregor as a protagonist to be surprisingly headstrong. When going into a book known for depicting depression, you kind of expect the main character to be full of pessimism and nihilism, so getting a character who’s actually very intent and eager to (literally) get back on their feet but is simply unable to do so was a breath of fresh air
The Arrest of Arsene Lupin by Maurice Leblanc, Maurice Leblanc
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
2.5
Can’t say I got all that invested in the story or the characters, but quality of the writing is good and easy to follow. Didn’t mind reading through this, but did not leave much of an impression on me.
A Faint Heart by Fyodor Dostoevsky
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Thinking back on this story, all that comes to mind is “ :( “
I have a tendency to find some kind of underlying glimmer of hope in stories people call depressing, but A Faint Heart doesn’t really offer a chance to do that. It’s like watching a candle’s fuse slowly drown in its wax, the well meaning warmth of the faint flame inadvertently digging itself into a grave and dwindling away in the process.
Just a sorrowful story with surprisingly lovable characters. The most heartbreaking part of it all lies in the fact the suffering isn’t rooted in someone’s cruelty or malice, but in kindness, love and gratefulness.
I have a tendency to find some kind of underlying glimmer of hope in stories people call depressing, but A Faint Heart doesn’t really offer a chance to do that. It’s like watching a candle’s fuse slowly drown in its wax, the well meaning warmth of the faint flame inadvertently digging itself into a grave and dwindling away in the process.
Just a sorrowful story with surprisingly lovable characters. The most heartbreaking part of it all lies in the fact the suffering isn’t rooted in someone’s cruelty or malice, but in kindness, love and gratefulness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: War
The Life of a Stupid Man by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Perfect on-the-go read, loved pulling this out here and there whenever I had some time to kill. Overall masterfully written.
It took me a moment to get an understanding of what was going on in In a Bamboo Grove, but once I did, I got very invested in the story. Utilised the concept of multiple perspectives in a meaningful way that left me thinking about the case a while after I had finished reading.
Death Register has a very somber feel. The described events from Akuatagawa’s childhood help with not only understanding The Life of a Stupid Man but also with seeing all its influence in Akutagawa’s other writing.
The titular story’s sections are short and sweet, though often of the bitter-variety. The writing paints an elegant yet raw portrayal of regrets and grief, with an adequate glimpses into the happier moments sprinkled in.
Felt like a good introduction to Akutagawa as an author.
It took me a moment to get an understanding of what was going on in In a Bamboo Grove, but once I did, I got very invested in the story. Utilised the concept of multiple perspectives in a meaningful way that left me thinking about the case a while after I had finished reading.
Death Register has a very somber feel. The described events from Akuatagawa’s childhood help with not only understanding The Life of a Stupid Man but also with seeing all its influence in Akutagawa’s other writing.
The titular story’s sections are short and sweet, though often of the bitter-variety. The writing paints an elegant yet raw portrayal of regrets and grief, with an adequate glimpses into the happier moments sprinkled in.
Felt like a good introduction to Akutagawa as an author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Suicide attempt, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
The Human Chair by Edogawa Rampo
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
I had to take a moment, on the floor, hands covering my shock-induced smile when the plot twist was revealed because what the hell. Lulls you into a sense of security and then turns it into horror in an instant.
The Flowers of Buffoonery by Osamu Dazai
dark
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I adore Flowers of Buffoonery. If someone asked me my favourite book, I might actually name it. I would by no means say that it’s actually one of the best of all time, I personally just happen to love it a lot.
It’s written like the rambles in my notes app if they were a bit more cohesive and I had a wider vocabulary. No other book has made me smile from ear to ear from amusement with the narrative style as this novella did.
The underlying themes are dark, but the tone is comedic and rather laid back compared to many of Dazai’s other famous works. From my point of view, this snippet of Yozo’s story holds an almost absurdist kind of hopefulness.
It’s just fun, beautifully simplistic yet all over the place. Relaxing, but not cozy. Works great as a short story; perfect length choice… but at the same time I want to say I wish there was more of this for me to read!
Not for everyone, not even for most people, but definitely for me.
It’s written like the rambles in my notes app if they were a bit more cohesive and I had a wider vocabulary. No other book has made me smile from ear to ear from amusement with the narrative style as this novella did.
The underlying themes are dark, but the tone is comedic and rather laid back compared to many of Dazai’s other famous works. From my point of view, this snippet of Yozo’s story holds an almost absurdist kind of hopefulness.
It’s just fun, beautifully simplistic yet all over the place. Relaxing, but not cozy. Works great as a short story; perfect length choice… but at the same time I want to say I wish there was more of this for me to read!
Not for everyone, not even for most people, but definitely for me.
Content Warnings
Minor: Medical content, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Having struggled with a sense of disconnection from humanity since childhood, the relatable parts of No Longer Human, ironically enough, helped me feel a lot more human. All the content not included in that statement served as a reminder of why that should be held onto, and how lucky I am to get to feel that way. Though the subject matters are heavy, this book left me with a sense of gratitude. Even with all its raw depictions of the harshness of reality, to me, this is a beautifully written novel.
I did not find the book as soul-crushing as it is often described. The overall tone is typically surprisingly neutral, and at times humorous. It’s much more than a monotone angst-dump, but the story and characters are nothing if not tragic.
Yozo as a main character divides people for a reason, and I can’t exactly blame the people who do not like him. By the end of the book, he is undoubtedly not a great person, but even if his actions aren’t great, they do come across as understandable with all the context provided. To those who have struggled with similar issues with mental health, at times his thoughts can be shockingly relatable. At the beginning of the book, there were parts where Dazai touches on some deeply relatable themes, despite being deeply relatable.
I can only hope that the actual plot points aren’t too reminiscent of many readers’ personal experiences, but it is no wonder that the themes present in No Longer Human resonated with many so strongly that the book became Japan’s 2nd best-selling novel.
While not happy, I find a lot of beauty in aspects of the worldview depicted. There is a sense of quiet appreciation for the significance in what is normally deemed as mundane. It doesn’t turn Yozo’s life into a happy one; it made me appreciate the meaning in some of the less exciting aspects of life as well.
Even if thinking of No Longer Human has at times filled me with dread, I’m grateful for its existence, and happy that I read it.
I did not find the book as soul-crushing as it is often described. The overall tone is typically surprisingly neutral, and at times humorous. It’s much more than a monotone angst-dump, but the story and characters are nothing if not tragic.
Yozo as a main character divides people for a reason, and I can’t exactly blame the people who do not like him. By the end of the book, he is undoubtedly not a great person, but even if his actions aren’t great, they do come across as understandable with all the context provided. To those who have struggled with similar issues with mental health, at times his thoughts can be shockingly relatable. At the beginning of the book, there were parts where Dazai touches on some deeply relatable themes, despite being deeply relatable.
I can only hope that the actual plot points aren’t too reminiscent of many readers’ personal experiences, but it is no wonder that the themes present in No Longer Human resonated with many so strongly that the book became Japan’s 2nd best-selling novel.
While not happy, I find a lot of beauty in aspects of the worldview depicted. There is a sense of quiet appreciation for the significance in what is normally deemed as mundane. It doesn’t turn Yozo’s life into a happy one; it made me appreciate the meaning in some of the less exciting aspects of life as well.
Even if thinking of No Longer Human has at times filled me with dread, I’m grateful for its existence, and happy that I read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, and Violence