Reviews

Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami

alishyasukaroti's review against another edition

emotional slow-paced

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

2.0

ellutag's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

lapetite's review against another edition

challenging reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 “If the love is true, then treat it the same way you would plant - feed it, protect it from the elements - you must do absolutely everything you can. But if it isn't true, then it's best to just let it wither on the vine.”

A sweet yet strange story. I just wish it had a better translator.

dmknyc's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

jessjacko's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

austinsmart's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

ambergamgee's review against another edition

3.0

A quiet and simple little book. Reminded me a bit of Convenience Store Girl, which I really loved. I liked the format, it reads like a singular novel, but each chapter also feels like a short story. It was my before bed book, and it was nice for that.

Spoilers ahead
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The whole time I was reading it was a 4 star, but when it turned to romance, it dropped to 3. I felt like the romance aspect cheapened their relationship. I loved that a 30-something woman and an old retired widower could be friends. Their friendship was quiet and sweet. I didn't believe or like the romance (not that I'm against May/December romance) but....why couldn't the friendship be enough for the story? I thought the whole book that it was about friendship and I loved that. I wish the last 2-3 chapters that had them as a couple were not there.

lauracooleyjohnson's review against another edition

4.0

I am in Tokyo now and like to read fiction that is by local authors. This was short, a bit odd to this Westerner (as much Japanese fiction is to me), but yet soulful and beautiful too. It made me think that if I had time to reflect more on the poetry and language, I’d find deeper meaning there. I found the generational commentary to be interesting, and the love story heartfelt. And the food and drink are a main character that brings this little story to life.

acmo's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

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

2.75

lucyla's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.5