I had to pick up this book as soon as I saw the gorgeous cover. JUST LOOK AT IT!
I think the story this book tells is very compelling, although it did I had to pick up this book as soon as I saw the gorgeous cover. JUST LOOK AT IT!
I think the story this book tells is very compelling, although it did take some time before the pace picked up and before I grew attached to those characters. The writing was distinct and interesting, but sometimes read a bit too simple for my taste and things that we as readers already knew, or things that were just discussed, kept being repeated in almost the same words as before. I wonder if this is a translation issue?
I did guess the main plot twist way before it happened and it made me a little bit frustrated with the characters (how did they not figure it out sooner?!), but the twist (or explanation?) at the very end really moved me and made me cry. It tied everything together so nicely and left me with such a good impression......more
I get the point this book was trying to make about conforming to societal expectations but the author went about it in the most gratuitous and obnoxioI get the point this book was trying to make about conforming to societal expectations but the author went about it in the most gratuitous and obnoxious way...more
Mizuki's life situation couldn't have been more different from my own, and yet I felt so strangely drawn to her narrative. Her internal monologue bothMizuki's life situation couldn't have been more different from my own, and yet I felt so strangely drawn to her narrative. Her internal monologue both poignant and hilarious, her story quiet, ordinary, but touching.
What made this book stand out to me the most was how relationships were written. All of them, but especially Mizuki's feelings about her kids. There was everyday frustration, but so much contemplation and a lot of love. It's not something I could relate to, but I was ever so subtly moved by this book. ...more
I have very mixed feelings on this one, because I'm still not sure what the message was supposed to be.
I appreciate it on surface level - pursue your I have very mixed feelings on this one, because I'm still not sure what the message was supposed to be.
I appreciate it on surface level - pursue your own sense of self instead of what society wants from you, don't bother trying to fit in and conforming.
But... A story about a woman who only finds purpose being an employee in a chain convinience store, without ANY commentary on capitalism and the exploitation of workers, even a tiniest bit? That's what strikes me as a bit odd and kind of close to romanticising the system.
Nevertheless, it was a strangely compelling read and definitely right up my alley writing style wise....more