Hanzy
This quiet contemplative and poetic read is quite unique being neither plot nor character-driven but more of a sensation, an unexpressed feeling. The uniqueness of the writing allows for everything to be experienced and felt rather than processed. From character names to the significance of the 7s, the journey through time and seasons, everything was intentionally and wonderfully structured. I am left feeling quite melancholic
This book was everything ‘I didn't' expect it to be and nothing I did expect. I liked a lot of how it was more or less like social and psychological commentary of not just the Japanese society but also most other cultures and societies.
But it wasn't why I picked up the book and that's perhaps why it was kind of a let down? It also could've been a tad shorter for some bits felt quite unnecessarily slow. I did really appreciate the explorations of our relationship with food, however.
I found it awful hard to get through this for reasons of my own and perhaps have nothing to do with the book.
I read it around 90% before giving up. I have no idea why I've had this on my tbr for reading the blurb now I realise there's nothing about it that interests me and I'm just not the target audience for it. I picked it up because it's tagged under humour and comedy but again, I'm beginning to realise American humour might not be my cup of tea. And finally, I chose to pair-read this with Mornings in Jenin which is at the polar opposite end and the subject matter of the latter made me wish to throw this one and its mediocrity somewhere far away.
This book was nothing I'd expected yet everything about it affected me differently. I admire Murata's ability to tackle deep-rooted societal issues in a unique, idiosyncratic way such that the message is loud and clear yet not directly spelt out. This was a difficult book to read so make sure you read the TWs. I had to take a break midway as there were a lot of horrible moments, moments where I found it hard to go on with the RAGE I felt. The narrative takes you through the mind of someone rather intimately and the writing's quite smooth and fluid.
3.5
This book tried too hard to be funny sometimes, but otherwise, it was a cosy enough mystery. Don't expect any huge plot twists, it's all quite easily decipherable yet also a fun read. I guess it's sort of satire on the Regency era?
If you're one to get irked by the discrepancies of an NA writer writing Regency, perhaps don't read this. It might frustrate you.