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mirrorofneptune's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
This book veered wildly back and forth between being very interesting and lowkey boring. (I’ve heard it get compared to Jane Austen and maybe that’s partially why lol) I did enjoy seeing three of the four Makioka sisters interact (Tsuruko is barely in this book ngl) and I did like all of them as people. The book includes a lot of details on daily life that made the characters seem realistic, and there are subtle themes of change and decay. However, it managed to both drag and to end incredibly abruptly– impressive, in a way!
suzanne07090's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-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? Yes
4.5
hakkun1's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.25
emmadaamen's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
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
4.0
elisa19's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
I was very worried about a 560 page book that was no plot, just vibes, however the vibes were spectacular. The writing is so delicate and cozy. Each sister has such a unique and quirky personality and you find them equally infuriating yet endearing, as you might do with your own family members. It took me over a year to read this book not because I disliked it but I quite simply did not want it to end, there wasn't a single dull moment in the whole story. The gossip and the drama was so gripping and entertaining particularly as it was juxtaposed against the very dark backdrop of the impending second world War. It was very interesting to read about day to day life in Japan at this time. Very wholesome story I will miss the Makioka sisters very much.
caz_the_calzone's review against another edition
reflective
slow-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
4.0
travelling_bookworm's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
“The night of the full moon.
Here, one shadow is missing.”
---------------------------------
Forget about memorable opening lines. This book right here has the most out of pocket and unexpected ending sentences I have read in a good long while.
I seem to have subconsciously dedicated 2024 to reading more Japanese literature, as I am consistently and rapidly going through the Japanese books on my list in the last few months. And it has been a very rewarding journey, thanks to books like this one. There are so many classics like this that should NOT be missed.
The Makioka Sisters is an interesting story caught between modernism and tradition, reminiscent of Jane Austen and Tolstoy in a way, but with a very authentic Japanese feel and is abundant in its culture, history, and tradition. Throughout the book, not much happens, really. The relentless obsession the story has about marriage almost completely overshadows anything else; the start of the second world war and the rapidly changing social and political conditions almost disappear in the background of proposals, set ups, and gossip.
But it is so easy to get carried away with the dynamics between the four sisters, each with her particular personality and faults of her own, each judging the other three while loving them fiercely. The story flows effortlessly, melancholic and vivid in its depictions.
A very slow burning, wistful, deliberate kind of book.
Here, one shadow is missing.”
---------------------------------
Forget about memorable opening lines. This book right here has the most out of pocket and unexpected ending sentences I have read in a good long while.
I seem to have subconsciously dedicated 2024 to reading more Japanese literature, as I am consistently and rapidly going through the Japanese books on my list in the last few months. And it has been a very rewarding journey, thanks to books like this one. There are so many classics like this that should NOT be missed.
The Makioka Sisters is an interesting story caught between modernism and tradition, reminiscent of Jane Austen and Tolstoy in a way, but with a very authentic Japanese feel and is abundant in its culture, history, and tradition. Throughout the book, not much happens, really. The relentless obsession the story has about marriage almost completely overshadows anything else; the start of the second world war and the rapidly changing social and political conditions almost disappear in the background of proposals, set ups, and gossip.
But it is so easy to get carried away with the dynamics between the four sisters, each with her particular personality and faults of her own, each judging the other three while loving them fiercely. The story flows effortlessly, melancholic and vivid in its depictions.
A very slow burning, wistful, deliberate kind of book.
adyabansal's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0