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

3.5
Interesting read

2.5
Loved the characterisations but didn't find the plot immersive enough

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.

3.5
This wasn't as emotionally impacting as ‘Please Look After Mum' but really liked it all the same and could resonate with a lot of the little details

Many plot holes and the most predictable twist. The reading experience wasn't too bad though, I enjoyed it

I cannot enjoy books narrated by characters you're bound to detest

4.75
I wish Kuang would tone down on the violence. One of the very few instances where I liked the second book in the trilogy a lot more than the first

I really liked the first half... the second half felt a little meh

3.5

An interestingly woven tale of 3 women living through 3 different eras. Quite feministic and includes triggering content that will make you rage and see red. I liked the writing quite a bit

The story's really picking up and connecting now and things are getting interesting

2.5 stars
Perhaps I'd have liked it better had I read it at a different time
I wish the book made me feel and connect a little more. While I appreciated the flowery language and use of metaphors, it got a little difficult comprehending the tone and language used

If you like cats and would like to read some cute (possibly sad) short stories including cats, you may enjoy this. Also, you'll see bits of Nana and his predecessor Hachi (from The Travelling Cat Chronicles) in here.

Predictable twists, unrealistic end

A perfect closing to a perfect series... so much nostalgia, and so many emotions. It's like going home to your comfort space

3.5
Beautiful prose, plot wasn't immersive enough for me

No matter how many times you've reread, it doesn't get any less heartbreaking :'(

Cute lil read

I'll review once I manage to stop bawling

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.

Super cute and cosy read

Loved it, this book had a very gentle sweet pace. Little gems of reminders spread through

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.

A nice palate cleanser