A review by joshlynjavier
Parade: A Folktale by Hiromi Kawakami

lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

4.0

“tell me a story from long ago.” 

like an insect seeking shelter indoors, this short story is just a conversation we get to listen in on. on one sleepy summer day between a woman and her old high school teacher. the woman recalls a memory from her childhood about tengu,  japanese creatures that often appear in folktales — briefly examining the invisible energies and powers surrounding her youth.

kawakami herself adds in the authors note that this book serves as a short glimpse of a causal interaction between the two main characters in “strange weather in tokyo” to give more color to their relationship. i found it sweet that she acknowledges how real characters can be to the reader, and how even she is intrigued by the unexplored features of them even after the story ends.  

the physical copy is absolutely beautiful and fun, and the vivid illustrations added a lot to the reading experience.