Reviews

The Briefcase by Hiromi Kawakami

Only show reviews with written explanations

ahhleeishere's review against another edition

2.0

Edit: honestly, I'm just glad I finished this because it was kind of a drag.

I don't know if it was the cover or the general premise but I really expected to like this. It confused me more than anything. The lack of plot wasn't a huge turn off but it just felt really bland and lacking.

I did find the writing to be interesting. Specifically only the use (and disuse) of quotations. Some conversations changed mid sentence to a thought like structure only for a character to respond. Genuinely confused by that.

abbutterflie's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A gentle and touching May and December (Or more accurately perhaps, September and December) love story.

Another window into Japan - one of seasons and time in moments and delicious sounding food and neighbourhood bars where one can drink for years, alone but not alone.

bauzancio's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

es una lástima porque la prosa de Kawakami es preciosa cuando se lo propone pero argumentalmente tiene muchos huecos y pobre desarrollo

kitbunnie225's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I really loved the reading of this book and felt a deep peace while reading it. The story doesn't rush or gallop. It unfolds slowly. The main character, Tsukiko, reminded me so much of myself. She is aloof, has few good friends (she has like 2 good friends), tiptoes around her family, prefers thinking about what she's experiencing rather than experience it. Her friendship with the elderly gentleman wasn't written in a forced, contrived way and is intuitive. I was with her until she fell in love with the old man (heh) - I had been relating their relationship thus far to the one I have with my own dad (nice person to hang out with, best friend almost) - but of course I had to abruptly change my perspective of it! Nevertheless, the way Tsukiko's happiness is found in the little moments and the small interactions really resonated with me. I'm realising that more and more, people in their 30s are being forced to face the truth of their loneliness. Books like these helps one know we aren't alone.