Reviews

Goodbye Tsugumi by Banana Yoshimoto by Banana Yoshimoto, Banana Yoshimoto

lilyphilia's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.5

shinheiba_sm's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

_marea_'s review against another edition

emotional funny relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

elfs29's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

5.0

Yoshimoto is a gorgeous writer. Her prose is something to swim through, almost, flowing over and around some of the most profound descriptions of feelings and scenes that I have ever encountered. Tsugumi’s story is told by Maria, and reveals, through her poignant and nostalgic narration, an unending bond and unparalleled understanding. Soaked in the grief and beauty of getting older, this story feels like a hand on my head, telling me that life is not over just because a part of it is, that lovely times are just as lovely when they aren’t happening anymore. 

This world of ours is piled high with farewells and goodbyes of so many different kinds, like the evening sky renewing itself again and again from one instant to the next —and I didn’t want to forget a single one. 

everydayweekends's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

cachou's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

plumjuice's review against another edition

4.0

i too cannot bear the thought of living too far away from the beach

asyaheheh's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

two stars for some of her prose and the haunted mailbox scene

cherishes's review against another edition

3.5

tsugumi was so funny and honestly such a queen

the book was pretty short it was an interesting read but idk if its just japanese lit or if its just me but it felt animeish in a way... 

nothing crazy interesting but it was nice to read

phoenix2's review against another edition

3.0

Goodbye Tsugumi was not, at least for me, the best book by Banana Yoshimoto. But, it wasn't bad either. The story was nicely structured and it was interesting how it was presented. However, I've found it a bit boring and tiring to read at times. I guess it wasn't that intriguing. So, three stars out of five.