Scan barcode
hagarmohmed's review against another edition
5.0
"In loneliness I have drifted this long way, alone.
My torn and shabby robe could not keep out the cold.
And tonight the sky was so clear it made my heart ache all the more."
"Strange Weather in Tokyo" by Hiromi Kawakami is a beautifully written novel that explores the life of a young woman named Tsukiko and her complex relationship with her sensei, a wise and enigmatic figure in her life. The novel tells the story of Tsukiko's journey from loneliness and confusion to self-discovery and adulthood, all set against the backdrop of the bustling city of Tokyo.
One of the most striking elements of the novel is the deep, intimate relationship that develops between Tsukiko and her sensei. At first, Tsukiko is hesitant and resistant to his guidance, but over time, she comes to appreciate the wisdom and support he offers her. The relationship is complex and multifaceted, and it is a central theme of the novel.
Through their interactions, both Tsukiko and her sensei learn and grow, and their relationship evolves in unexpected ways. This is a powerful portrayal of the dynamics of mentoring and the ways in which personal connections can enrich and transform our lives.
The novel is also filled with memorable side characters who help to create a vivid and immersive world. Each character is unique and well-drawn, with their own distinct personality and backstory. They are all easy to connect with and help to flesh out the world of the novel, making it feel real and authentic.
The writing felt alot like a fever dream, cinematic and ethereal are two words that astonish me to use them for describing a book but that is the case here, the dreamy atmosphere that was created between two ordinary characters, the sentimental perspective and uncertainty of both tsukiko and her sensei. All these elements were serving the plot in the most perfect way.
As the novel progresses, Tsukiko's journey takes her from a state of loneliness and confusion to a place of self-discovery and growth. The themes of identity, connection, and self-discovery are explored in a thoughtful and introspective way, and they create a sense of depth and meaning that lingers long after the final page is read.
I found it really peculiar to relate somehow to tsukiko who's in her late 30s, struggling with her loneliness and almost pushing away the people around her but for some reason she found comfort with her sensei, Suddenly acting a bit amateur whenever she was around him. And for some reason I saw my future self in her, some one who is living a bit of lonesome life yet it's not really bothersome, Absurdity I would say.
Overall, "Strange Weather in Tokyo" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of personal connections and the process of self-discovery. The relationship that develops between Tsukiko and her sensei is the heart of the novel, and it is a powerful and transformative depiction of the ways in which mentoring can enrich and transform our lives. If you are looking for a well-written and introspective read, this is definitely a book worth considering.
P.S: 2023 was not my best year regarding books, all of the books I have read this year are unfortunately mediocre so I'm really happy to finish the year with such a gentle and sweet book, on my top favourites for sure
My torn and shabby robe could not keep out the cold.
And tonight the sky was so clear it made my heart ache all the more."
"Strange Weather in Tokyo" by Hiromi Kawakami is a beautifully written novel that explores the life of a young woman named Tsukiko and her complex relationship with her sensei, a wise and enigmatic figure in her life. The novel tells the story of Tsukiko's journey from loneliness and confusion to self-discovery and adulthood, all set against the backdrop of the bustling city of Tokyo.
One of the most striking elements of the novel is the deep, intimate relationship that develops between Tsukiko and her sensei. At first, Tsukiko is hesitant and resistant to his guidance, but over time, she comes to appreciate the wisdom and support he offers her. The relationship is complex and multifaceted, and it is a central theme of the novel.
Through their interactions, both Tsukiko and her sensei learn and grow, and their relationship evolves in unexpected ways. This is a powerful portrayal of the dynamics of mentoring and the ways in which personal connections can enrich and transform our lives.
The novel is also filled with memorable side characters who help to create a vivid and immersive world. Each character is unique and well-drawn, with their own distinct personality and backstory. They are all easy to connect with and help to flesh out the world of the novel, making it feel real and authentic.
The writing felt alot like a fever dream, cinematic and ethereal are two words that astonish me to use them for describing a book but that is the case here, the dreamy atmosphere that was created between two ordinary characters, the sentimental perspective and uncertainty of both tsukiko and her sensei. All these elements were serving the plot in the most perfect way.
As the novel progresses, Tsukiko's journey takes her from a state of loneliness and confusion to a place of self-discovery and growth. The themes of identity, connection, and self-discovery are explored in a thoughtful and introspective way, and they create a sense of depth and meaning that lingers long after the final page is read.
I found it really peculiar to relate somehow to tsukiko who's in her late 30s, struggling with her loneliness and almost pushing away the people around her but for some reason she found comfort with her sensei, Suddenly acting a bit amateur whenever she was around him. And for some reason I saw my future self in her, some one who is living a bit of lonesome life yet it's not really bothersome, Absurdity I would say.
Overall, "Strange Weather in Tokyo" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of personal connections and the process of self-discovery. The relationship that develops between Tsukiko and her sensei is the heart of the novel, and it is a powerful and transformative depiction of the ways in which mentoring can enrich and transform our lives. If you are looking for a well-written and introspective read, this is definitely a book worth considering.
P.S: 2023 was not my best year regarding books, all of the books I have read this year are unfortunately mediocre so I'm really happy to finish the year with such a gentle and sweet book, on my top favourites for sure
devilbb666's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
grj619's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
sjfrancis's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
midnightnoon's review against another edition
3.0
weird and awkward little romance between two people who keep showing up in each others lives. weird and a lil creepy bc age gap/teacher-student
alishyasukaroti's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
ellutag's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
lapetite's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
“If the love is true, then treat it the same way you would plant - feed it, protect it from the elements - you must do absolutely everything you can. But if it isn't true, then it's best to just let it wither on the vine.”
A sweet yet strange story. I just wish it had a better translator.
dmknyc's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-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? N/A
4.25