The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes

Actual rating: 4.5⭐

In the afterword, the author said they've always wanted to write a good, solid novel, and that's exactly what this book is. It's a good, solid, atmospheric standalone that feels like summer.

Tono Kaoru lost her little sister, Karen, in an accident five years ago. His family fell apart at the seams after her death, and he's been living in guilt ever since. So when he stumbles upon the Urashima Tunnel, rumored to have the ability to grant your wish, he decides to investigate in the hope of bringing Karen back. Soon he is joined by Hanashiro Anzu, a transfer student from Tokyo with a wish of her own, and they spend their summer trying to work around the time-bending nature of the tunnel.

While the story revolves around high school students and deals with problems that would be relatable to teenagers, it also shows tremendous growth for a lot of the characters. Mainly Kaoru and Anzu, but also Koharu who evolves into an entirely different person by the end of the book. It does a really good job delving into their personal issues, as well as working out a way for them to move past their problems. The way Kaoru's emotions are portrayed is especially well done, and the book manages to maintain its focus on him and Anzu as the leads. The romance comes naturally, with a bittersweet undertone to it that doesn't only suit the fleeting and nostalgic season of summer, but also adolescence.

The only thing I didn't quite like about it is the translation, sadly. It's not bad. It just feels a bit too Americanized for my tastes. That's why I have to take off half a star instead of giving full score, but other than that, it's amazing. Can totally see why they adapted this into a movie.