Reviews with content warning for Death - Shadow Life

Reviews tagging 'Death'

talonsontypewriters's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective medium-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? No

4.5

Content Warnings

chortle's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

recommend for anyone reflecting on age, parenting or parents, love, cycles of life
- was emotionally resonating and I kept thinking of in the strong (queer) elders and women in my life

Content Warnings

mephistofelix's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

clarabooksit's review

Go to review page

dark emotional medium-paced

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

4.5

Content Warnings

bookmaddie's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

hflh's review

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

Overall
I loved every part of this book right down to the author's note. It's funny, tender, and wonderfully queer. This book delivers on what the blurb promises and then some and I would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for queer representation, likes more surrealist magical realism and maybe a bit of the supernatural, and loves a good lovable but flawed older woman main character. The narrative is tight (though fast-paced if that doesn't suit you) and the characters are well-defined in a short time.

The Art
The art is great, especially if you like a simple, flow-y style. I really enjoyed Ann Xu's paneling and the use of the colour black in and between panels. If you are like me, you will also appreciate the unapologetic and non-sexualized portrayal of women's bodies, particularly older ones.

An added bonus: Comments on aging and caring for aging relatives
My enjoyment and rating stand without this element, so I'd still recommend the book if this part doesn't speak to you.

Among the magical realism elements and the interactions between Kumiko and her daughter, Goto explores some of the mental and physical challenges with aging, including the desire to keep your independence in a body that is not always on your side. Goto also explores the frustrations for caretakers when trying to care for stubborn loved ones who can struggle to care for themselves, including the challenge of finding the balance between caretaking and leaving space for their autonomy. This really resonated with me as someone helping care for a grandmother with dementia who falls frequently but can't admit it or accept help. It was also a good reminder that this struggle is hard for both of us.

But what I really appreciated was that Goto explores these topics within the space of magical realism, allowing for things to still feel light and have an unambiguous happy ending. Kumiko still has physical autonomy and when she's forgetful or seeing supernatural things, it's not because she's losing her mental faculties. For me at least, this made these parts of the narrative cathartic without making me feel heavy or depressed.

-------------------------
Also the book is set in Vancouver, BC if that's something that interests you - but non-Vancouverites won't be missing anything without that background :)

Content Warnings

paigieodo's review

Go to review page

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

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

3.5

Goto’s stories feel like they belong in a visual medium. Her imagination is deeply sensory, and though her writing is strong, I was excited to read a graphic novel whose story was dictated by Goto, but brought to life by illustration. Xu’s art gives majesty to this story. I was so delighted by this loving tale about an older woman facing death. The characters are so alive. The plot is gorgeously constructed. I am a big fan.

*Story Graph doesn’t let me add any water/drowning related content warnings, but it’s there. It’s on the stronger side of moderate.

Content Warnings

readingwithkt's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

SHADOW LIFE by Hiromi Goto, illustrated by Ann Xu tells the story of 76-year old Kumiko who escapes the assisted living home her daughters set her up in and goes to live on her own terms. Keeping her location a secret while remaining in contact with her daughter, Kumiko finds joy in the little things. Going to the library, for a swim in the local pool, and in setting up her new home and living her life as she pleases. (Gotta say: love this energy)

However, Kumiko soon realises that Death’s Shadow has followed her from her last residence and she’s on a mission to shake it off her back.

Honestly really enjoyed this one! It maintained a lighthearted tone (even making me laugh) while also exploring some deeper and more challenging topics. Kumiko was such a lovable character! And I was fully rooting for her throughout.

Loved the artwork too! Truly beautiful monochrome drawings which just brought this story to life in the most wonderful way.

Content Warnings