I don’t remember why I bought this. I think it came up in recommendations after read Butter and it was on sale so I bought it without even reading what it was about. And then I ended up reading it without checking the blurb. So I had no idea what this book was going to be about.
It was a very calm read. I guess very introspective? I very much felt like a detached spectator. The only thought I really had while reading it was that Yoshie was almost unbelievably considerate? Like even whenever she got annoyed at people, she would later cool down and start making excuses for them.
The most interesting part was actually the author’s comments at the end. The discussion about the way neighbourhoods change and the trend towards big chain stores is something people all around the world can probably relate to. Having the author also comment on the criticisms their writing sometimes gets (about how they write about idealistic things) was also interesting to read. Because my opinion is what’s wrong with doing that haha. There is enough realism in the world and in works by other authors that some idealism is variety no?
Reflecting on the book afterwards, even if it wasn’t gripping, it was very nuanced and respectful about emotions. So I would read another Banana Yoshimoto book. But…maybe only if it was on special again 😅
Categories: Book Reviews
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