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eena's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
And one last complaint, I usually write this in most pieces that require trigger warnings, I know a lot do not want to be spoiled of anything, but I wish this one had a trigger warning. It’s quite a heavy story that could truly affect a lot of people, especially women.
Graphic: Rape, Bullying, and Transphobia
jacss's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
"The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida" is part coming of age love story, part trauma lore. When Miwako Sumida commits suicide, it comes as a surprise to her friends. The story recounts how they all met, and concludes with a final meeting and passing of Miwako.
A few takeaways:
- The sister, Fumi, is a transwoman and I thought her depiction was effortless. She was respected as a female character by the author, and it shows. I thought this was more tasteful than other similar books, such as Kitchen, for instance. I also appreciated that being trans, was not the only characteristic that Fumi received, she was a fully fledged character, and not a token of any sort.
- I enjoyed the setting of a Tokyo book, grabbing the map and traveling with them where the book was clear enough.
- I am not sure if Ryusei is dead. Did he also receive the curse? Or has he killed himself to be with Miwako? Or just let himself die after getting sick on the mountain. Not sure.
It was a quick listen, about 9 hours in 2 days and I enjoyed it.
Moderate: Suicide and Rape
flattrash's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Minor: Alcohol, Pregnancy, Terminal illness, Sexual content, Abortion, Blood, Suicide, Bullying, Car accident, Death, Incest, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Rape
lumiiyowo's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Suicide, and Bullying
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Transphobia
tessjx's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
TW: rape, suicide, bullying
Moderate: Sexual assault, Deadnaming, Physical abuse, Bullying, Car accident, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Rape, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy
Minor: Transphobia, Cancer, and Adult/minor relationship
ruby_mae_read's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Grief and Suicide
Moderate: Abortion, Sexual assault, and Rape
my_bibliotheca's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Bullying, Grief, Death of parent, and Suicide
Moderate: Rape
november_is_reading1114's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Bullying, Death, and Suicide
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Grief, and Abortion
areen's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Suicide, Sexual assault, Bullying, Death of parent, and Rape
Minor: Abortion
lyd41's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Even though I would have enjoyed a traditional book where the story was told from Miwako's point of view, I think I prefer how this author layed it out, as it created much more curiosity and suspense.
Notes to keep in mind when looking to read this book:
This book is set in Japan and includes all traditional aspects of Japanese etiquette and culture. It may be confusing for some who don't know much of the social culture.
This book is angsty. Very Angsty. Top tier angst. Very possibly triggering things. Check content warnings.
Graphic: Bullying, Car accident, Deadnaming, Abortion, Death of parent, Grief, Mental illness, Misogyny, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Cancer, Rape, Fatphobia, Sexual content, and Transphobia
Minor: Outing, Adult/minor relationship, Dysphoria, and Alcohol