Scan barcode
nicolet2018's review
3.0
I found this interesting at first as it portrays a certain period of Japan. The culture at that time is very different from modern day. I was intrigued by hint at family secrets and that the story was from the perspective of a teenage girl who has not been living in Japan. However this was not the case.
It certainly began well but soon I found myself bored. The family politics was very intricate. I would say this book is very deep and philosophical. I did not like how the characters were refered to as "Mrs Nishimura", "Mrs Asaki" and "Mrs Kobayashi". Why couldn't they be refered to by first name? I was a little underwhelmed by the reveal of the secret as well. The voice of the story shifted so much. And the story fast forwarded through the years but I was not sure what was the purpose of this. There did not seem to be a clear direction.
By half of the book I was not impressed. Although I can sympathize with Sarah, her mother and grandmother this book did not make me interested in characters nor show distinct personalities. I liked reading about the day to day activities of the Japanese people. But It was not what I expected. I would not recommend this book.
It certainly began well but soon I found myself bored. The family politics was very intricate. I would say this book is very deep and philosophical. I did not like how the characters were refered to as "Mrs Nishimura", "Mrs Asaki" and "Mrs Kobayashi". Why couldn't they be refered to by first name? I was a little underwhelmed by the reveal of the secret as well. The voice of the story shifted so much. And the story fast forwarded through the years but I was not sure what was the purpose of this. There did not seem to be a clear direction.
By half of the book I was not impressed. Although I can sympathize with Sarah, her mother and grandmother this book did not make me interested in characters nor show distinct personalities. I liked reading about the day to day activities of the Japanese people. But It was not what I expected. I would not recommend this book.
winterflowerreads's review
4.0
Brilliant read! The story is a poignant reminder of the way secrets influence multiple generations. The writing was excellent! The world created in this novel was so tangible that it felt as if I was there. Definitely recommend this novel!
mavenbooks's review
5.0
Deliciously delightful throughout. Yes, the story meanders a bit, and it might feel like not much happens overall. But the journey is what makes this book.
The details of the scenery and surroundings are simple, but they slow you down and make you want to savor the images created in your mind. I wanted to pause after a section or chapter, just to let it sit in my mind before moving to something new.
It is definitely a book about culture, but also about relationships, mainly about how things aren't always so black and white. The characters felt very real to me, and I wanted to step into their shoes a bit more, even if just to see the places they inhabited.
Lovely.
The details of the scenery and surroundings are simple, but they slow you down and make you want to savor the images created in your mind. I wanted to pause after a section or chapter, just to let it sit in my mind before moving to something new.
It is definitely a book about culture, but also about relationships, mainly about how things aren't always so black and white. The characters felt very real to me, and I wanted to step into their shoes a bit more, even if just to see the places they inhabited.
Lovely.
More...