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thewordsdevourer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
1.25
certain novels have sparse writing that fits the tone and atmosphere of the story, but somehow the 'sparse' in this book imo doesnt fit its themes (that, or it's not effective enough), and unfortunately also applies to its surface-level scrutiny of many oft-overlooked social issues and inequalities in japan.
my feeling upon finishing this is "...ok..and??" bc while im aware that the main character kazu's sad, unfortunate life is supposed to encapsulate the plight of countless similar others, somehow i still dont feel anything; there's no emotional connection or weight here. i think this is bc the author barely spends time to mull over a scene (one thats of substance anyway), or let the reader get to know its characters. how am i supposed to care abt them when the main character spends most of his life working away from home and his loved ones? some developments are also too out-of-the-blue; im still befuddled by kazu's decision to abandon his own friggin home, for example.
in conclusion, this sparse novel rightly criticizes under-portrayed social inequalities, but is also one thats bereft of any emotional impact.
Moderate: Death
Minor: Animal death, Physical abuse, and Murder
cjcrawfish's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Suicide, Grief, and Abandonment
deezy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Child death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death
kryskross's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Classism
Minor: Animal death
b_caligari's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Gore, Suicide, and Pregnancy
Minor: Alcohol and War
ollie_again's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Child death and Death
Minor: Animal death, Suicide, Violence, and Death of parent
internationalreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, and Grief
samchase112's review against another edition
- 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
To be homeless is to be ignored when people walk past, while still being in full view of everyone.
This translated work of Japanese fiction is written beautifully. It gives insight into the lingering (non)existence of a homeless man who reflects on his life, full of tragedy. The disconnect between tradition and industrialization, homeless and comfortable, alive and dead, are well-explored. This is a quietly powerful book, and I recommend it even if for nothing more than its beautiful translation and unique plot.
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Animal death and Suicide
Minor: Death of parent
sonyareadsbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child death and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death
nuka_lola's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Death, Hate crime, and Suicide
Minor: Violence