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jayisreading's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
This is an interconnected short story collection that puts a feminist spin on different Japanese folktales and ghost stories. Revolving almost completely around women, Matsuda takes a deep dive to question how women are perceived and upheld to particular standards in Japanese society, often using wit and humor. I do think that this collection will be far more enjoyable for those who are already familiar with the original stories. Even with the brief explanations provided though, I still felt fairly disconnected from (and, thus, not entirely engaged with) most of these stories because I couldn't entirely follow the references being made.
Overall, a quirky collection to read, though a bit hard to work with if you're not familiar with the original material.
Overall, a quirky collection to read, though a bit hard to work with if you're not familiar with the original material.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Death, Body shaming, and Suicide
Minor: Sexual harassment and Rape
bexi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
3.75
Weirdly delightful. Would recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Sexism, Death, and Misogyny
Minor: Ableism, Child death, Murder, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Cursing, Infidelity, and Rape
lena_taco's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
This book moved fast for me and I loved how the stories were connected. Definitely a charming world!
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape and Sexual harassment
charleyroxy's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Rape and Suicide
wenwanzhao's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a nice and easy-to-read short story compilation. I love stories that involve folklore intertwined with modern life and I enjoy it when short stories connect to each other so suffice to say, this book felt extremely catered to my tastes.
I enjoyed the new interpretations of Japanese myths and stories and especially liked comparing the story the author wrote with the original tale it was based off of. The writing generally had an amused and lighthearted tone to it, employing different styles and perspectives.
There is a thrill that comes with reading each new story and being able to somewhat piece things together. It all reads like a calm insight into a world similar to our own, but slightly different.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it to others.
I enjoyed the new interpretations of Japanese myths and stories and especially liked comparing the story the author wrote with the original tale it was based off of. The writing generally had an amused and lighthearted tone to it, employing different styles and perspectives.
There is a thrill that comes with reading each new story and being able to somewhat piece things together. It all reads like a calm insight into a world similar to our own, but slightly different.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book, and would recommend it to others.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Infidelity, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
sarah984's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a super fun collection of short stories that take Japanese mythology and reimagine the ghost/monster characters in a modern context. All the stories are set in the same world, so various characters are shared between them. There is a short summary of the story each piece in the book is based on at the end, which was interesting for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Grief, Rape, Sexism, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Animal death
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