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afi_whatafireads's reviews
589 reviews
Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
This one had caught my heart and tugged at my heartstrings. The way it had made me tear up. ://
As usual, coming back into the world of Kawaguchi with the eccentric coffee shop with its rules to go back in time, there is a simple nuance to how this story is. One thing's for sure, it portrays a human's desire to never live in regrets. And out of all the four novels in this instalment, this book has by for the most eccentric and possibly unlikeable characters that we won't be able to understand their intentions based on their actions. But, I feel that was the beauty of this book in particular, which shows that humans, no matter what background that they come from, when they do have regrets they will have that desire to do it right again.
I love the simple notion of saying goodbye in here. There is no proper way to say goodbye, but only letting someone know that they were happy to have met them or there were happy to just exist in their life. The complexicity of human's emotions is portrayed in here in a simple nuance told in 4 stories and good lord these stories had really got me sobbing at some. And its more nostalgic as I've just read the third book and its way ahead in the future and knowing Kazu will somewhat become the best person that she will be soon, makes my heart tear up just a bit.
There's something simple in these books and yet can bring so much meaning. Its everything and nothing all at once, but the sense of satisfaction even if we can't change the past nor present it simply by knowing and appreciating the feelings that lingers after.
Definitely would recommend this series to everyone especially for beginners.
4🌟for this gem
Thank you to Pansing Distributions for this copy. I truly appreciate it.
emotional
reflective
fast-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
4.0
If you could turn back time, what can be the best way to say goodbye to someone that you love?
"I've only just want you to be happy.
This one had caught my heart and tugged at my heartstrings. The way it had made me tear up. ://
As usual, coming back into the world of Kawaguchi with the eccentric coffee shop with its rules to go back in time, there is a simple nuance to how this story is. One thing's for sure, it portrays a human's desire to never live in regrets. And out of all the four novels in this instalment, this book has by for the most eccentric and possibly unlikeable characters that we won't be able to understand their intentions based on their actions. But, I feel that was the beauty of this book in particular, which shows that humans, no matter what background that they come from, when they do have regrets they will have that desire to do it right again.
I love the simple notion of saying goodbye in here. There is no proper way to say goodbye, but only letting someone know that they were happy to have met them or there were happy to just exist in their life. The complexicity of human's emotions is portrayed in here in a simple nuance told in 4 stories and good lord these stories had really got me sobbing at some. And its more nostalgic as I've just read the third book and its way ahead in the future and knowing Kazu will somewhat become the best person that she will be soon, makes my heart tear up just a bit.
There's something simple in these books and yet can bring so much meaning. Its everything and nothing all at once, but the sense of satisfaction even if we can't change the past nor present it simply by knowing and appreciating the feelings that lingers after.
Definitely would recommend this series to everyone especially for beginners.
4🌟for this gem
Thank you to Pansing Distributions for this copy. I truly appreciate it.
Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
The third instalment to the Before the Coffee Gets Cold / Tales from the Café / Before Your Memory Fades series and I for one had definitely enjoyed the little twist that is from the cafe - but I do have some mixed feelings with the mechanics of it (in some sense).
Firstly. Good lord the 3rd instalment became a tad confusing with the back and forth from some aspects in the series. But in some sense, I do get how the author is trying to expand the world and not just being stuck at one place. But there's something odd that I can't exactly place in how much everything is so alligned - unlike the first two books. The stream of events just "happens" for everyone to be there and accepting which makes it at first heartwarming, but somewhat there's an ick feeling I can't exactly name but it was not a good one.
But, one of the winning points in this book for me was the perspective of death itself and how to the living - we can perceive it as something that is horrible and can cause so much grief ; but I liked how the stories gives another aspect to the meaning of death, especially for the ones left behind. The title itself Before Your Memory Fades has a lot to do with the 4-character-centric stories that has been told in the book. Its somewhat a love letter for those who are struggling to hold on to life and in trying to find meaning to hold to memories that can fade anytime as we grapple in the sense to live our daily lives. Its this perspective and the stories of these characters that won me over - despite the technicality issues that I have with the book. The mere concept of death and hope and happiness to the people that is still living, is as important to the people who had passed away.
And it's nice to see characters from the previous two books to be the person-in-charge in here. For me, to go into the third book, you definitely need to read the first two books to understand the easter eggs and knowing the characters. But I liked seeing them together and navigating the cafe with another set of people in another district which gives it quite a fresh air from the first cafe.
Overall, it was not a bad read. I was just very taken aback with the ending which made me want to hurl something. Overall, not a bad read and one that I read in one seating for my #JanuaryinJapan.
Overall ratings: 3.5🌟
Thank you to Pansing Distributions for this copy!
emotional
reflective
fast-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
WTF Sir Kawaguchi the ending was so uncalled for it definitely left me in shambles . yeeesh.
"Inside every person is an inherent capability to make it through any kind of difficulty. Everyone has that energy. But sometimes when that energy flows via our anxiety valve, the flow can be restricted. The greater the anxiety, the greater the strength needed to open the valve and release the energy.
That strength is empowered by hope. You could say that hope is the power to believe in the future.
The third instalment to the Before the Coffee Gets Cold / Tales from the Café / Before Your Memory Fades series and I for one had definitely enjoyed the little twist that is from the cafe - but I do have some mixed feelings with the mechanics of it (in some sense).
Firstly. Good lord the 3rd instalment became a tad confusing with the back and forth from some aspects in the series. But in some sense, I do get how the author is trying to expand the world and not just being stuck at one place. But there's something odd that I can't exactly place in how much everything is so alligned - unlike the first two books. The stream of events just "happens" for everyone to be there and accepting which makes it at first heartwarming, but somewhat there's an ick feeling I can't exactly name but it was not a good one.
But, one of the winning points in this book for me was the perspective of death itself and how to the living - we can perceive it as something that is horrible and can cause so much grief ; but I liked how the stories gives another aspect to the meaning of death, especially for the ones left behind. The title itself Before Your Memory Fades has a lot to do with the 4-character-centric stories that has been told in the book. Its somewhat a love letter for those who are struggling to hold on to life and in trying to find meaning to hold to memories that can fade anytime as we grapple in the sense to live our daily lives. Its this perspective and the stories of these characters that won me over - despite the technicality issues that I have with the book. The mere concept of death and hope and happiness to the people that is still living, is as important to the people who had passed away.
And it's nice to see characters from the previous two books to be the person-in-charge in here. For me, to go into the third book, you definitely need to read the first two books to understand the easter eggs and knowing the characters. But I liked seeing them together and navigating the cafe with another set of people in another district which gives it quite a fresh air from the first cafe.
Overall, it was not a bad read. I was just very taken aback with the ending which made me want to hurl something. Overall, not a bad read and one that I read in one seating for my #JanuaryinJapan.
Overall ratings: 3.5🌟
Thank you to Pansing Distributions for this copy!
The Premonition by Banana Yoshimoto
Banana Yoshimoto's works had always held somewhat like a power - in the way that she writes her proses and in how she pans out her characters. Grief will always be a subject matter in most of her novels and I love how subtle but also vividly written it is with her characters. If you look on the surface, it almost seemed that all of her characters either seemed normal or eccentric. But if we look deeper, there's more than meets the eye and its how Yoshimoto always wins with her books. Its in the way she puts into perspective of each character's motives in their actions, and in how she describes everything that surrounds them and how it affects them as people.
Her writing is not only captivating, but it leaves a deep sense of resonance to our hearts. I teared up at the very end, because how every line and every emotion poured into the notions that is portrayed by nature and the character's surroundings makes us feel like we were there with the characters as well. Its as if we are going through each and every moment that has been written, the loneliness and solitude and in the longings to be seen and heard by her loved ones - to bring a place that feels like home.
There was a kdrama that I've recently finished - Welcome to Samdal-Ri- and the ending credit was this ;
"Having a place to return to is an incredible relief."
And a place does not have to be a physical house, its also in the people that cares about you and the community that accepts you for who you are. The concept of home and belonging and trying to find something that feels missing in your life and how when its finally found, you feel at home, and whole.
The Premonition has such a simple prose and plot and yet, it gives so many feelings after finishing it. My heart feels so so much for the characters, for their struggle, their search to feel belonged and the longingness for something that you might and possibly can't have. Its in the way that Yoshimoto writes that feels personal, quiet and tugs at every piece of your heart. Its in how there's deep sense of warmth and sorrow interlaced and you leave with a deep sense of longing for more.
What a book. What a read. Definitely one of the reads that I will remember for a very long time.
Thank you to Times Reads for the copy. I'm forever thankful
emotional
fast-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
4.75
Premonition: a strong feeling that something is about to happen, especially something unpleasant.
The way Madam Banana Yoshimoto holds the reigns to my heart? Its bloody insane.
The way Madam Banana Yoshimoto holds the reigns to my heart? Its bloody insane.
"Listening with eyes closed, I felt as though I were at the bottom of a green ocean. All the world seemed to be lit up by shafts of light. The current moved limpidly, and in it, my troubles skimmed past me like schools of fish barely brushing against my skin.
I had a premonition of setting out on a journey and getting lost inside a distant tide as the sun went down, ending up far, far away from where I started."
Banana Yoshimoto's works had always held somewhat like a power - in the way that she writes her proses and in how she pans out her characters. Grief will always be a subject matter in most of her novels and I love how subtle but also vividly written it is with her characters. If you look on the surface, it almost seemed that all of her characters either seemed normal or eccentric. But if we look deeper, there's more than meets the eye and its how Yoshimoto always wins with her books. Its in the way she puts into perspective of each character's motives in their actions, and in how she describes everything that surrounds them and how it affects them as people.
Her writing is not only captivating, but it leaves a deep sense of resonance to our hearts. I teared up at the very end, because how every line and every emotion poured into the notions that is portrayed by nature and the character's surroundings makes us feel like we were there with the characters as well. Its as if we are going through each and every moment that has been written, the loneliness and solitude and in the longings to be seen and heard by her loved ones - to bring a place that feels like home.
There was a kdrama that I've recently finished - Welcome to Samdal-Ri- and the ending credit was this ;
"Having a place to return to is an incredible relief."
And a place does not have to be a physical house, its also in the people that cares about you and the community that accepts you for who you are. The concept of home and belonging and trying to find something that feels missing in your life and how when its finally found, you feel at home, and whole.
The Premonition has such a simple prose and plot and yet, it gives so many feelings after finishing it. My heart feels so so much for the characters, for their struggle, their search to feel belonged and the longingness for something that you might and possibly can't have. Its in the way that Yoshimoto writes that feels personal, quiet and tugs at every piece of your heart. Its in how there's deep sense of warmth and sorrow interlaced and you leave with a deep sense of longing for more.
What a book. What a read. Definitely one of the reads that I will remember for a very long time.
Thank you to Times Reads for the copy. I'm forever thankful
The Details by Ia Genberg
Reading this book was a journey in itself and whilst it may be not for everyone, it somehow worked for me.
Divided into four parts and told by a nameless narrator as she was down by fever and reminiscing her life, we follow through the life of a person that is her through the four people in her life. Like the title, the four people will make up the details in which will paint a portrait of a person of what she is and who has she become. A seemingly mundane story but also one that reflects a lot on what it is to be a writer, a reader and more importantly, finding parts of yourself in the reflection of others.
I loved how there is a sense of reflection for each person that she had told the story from. And its distinctive to the reactions and the way she grows as a person and how each people in the book affects her differently. From Johanna, to Niki to Alejandro and Brigette. Its a recollection of one's life through the lenses of others and how as readers, it also portrays how the people in our lives affects us too. It can be through the books that we read, or a specific cleaning product, an album or a song or simply just our behaviours that we picked up solely by being near the person. Its in the eccentrities and life and the workings of youths in finding themselves in a world that wants you to conform to society's normal.
And one other main theme that I love about this book is on the different types of mental health and how - when undiagnosed - it can lead to behaviours that we find toxic, deranged and will be even called crazy. I love how the author goes into how she had gone through the different types of mental conditions with the people in her life and its one that can still be a taboo subject for some. Not only that, the author had also bring forward the sense of strong readership with her characters that uses books and writing as a medium to let them loose and become their own self. It gives us a sense of comradeship that comes with being able to also understand the characters feelings. The author's writing that is both long-winded at some but is also mundane in every sense makes this a book that I breezed through a night.
A novel that I didn't expect to like but came to love anyways. Its in the every day things and the reflections of the people from the people around you that makes up the character that is you. Definitely an interesting read and (I teared up at the end), and one that I will recommend if you're in need of something complex but light.
dark
emotional
fast-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
4.25
"Per The Details, that openness to the now is all there is. Look closely and every moment becomes dense with meaning, unfolding backward and forward in time as it makes us who we are. There is no one whole—“ the whole is loose at the edges,” she noted in one interview—all we have are those fraying threads, flapping in the wind, and the complex ways they tie fast to each other."
Reading this book was a journey in itself and whilst it may be not for everyone, it somehow worked for me.
Divided into four parts and told by a nameless narrator as she was down by fever and reminiscing her life, we follow through the life of a person that is her through the four people in her life. Like the title, the four people will make up the details in which will paint a portrait of a person of what she is and who has she become. A seemingly mundane story but also one that reflects a lot on what it is to be a writer, a reader and more importantly, finding parts of yourself in the reflection of others.
I loved how there is a sense of reflection for each person that she had told the story from. And its distinctive to the reactions and the way she grows as a person and how each people in the book affects her differently. From Johanna, to Niki to Alejandro and Brigette. Its a recollection of one's life through the lenses of others and how as readers, it also portrays how the people in our lives affects us too. It can be through the books that we read, or a specific cleaning product, an album or a song or simply just our behaviours that we picked up solely by being near the person. Its in the eccentrities and life and the workings of youths in finding themselves in a world that wants you to conform to society's normal.
“That's all there is to the self, or the so-called 'self': traces of the people we rub up against. I loved Joanna's words and gestures and let them become part of me, intentionally or not. I suppose that is at the core of every relationship and the reason that in some sense no relationship ever ends.”
And one other main theme that I love about this book is on the different types of mental health and how - when undiagnosed - it can lead to behaviours that we find toxic, deranged and will be even called crazy. I love how the author goes into how she had gone through the different types of mental conditions with the people in her life and its one that can still be a taboo subject for some. Not only that, the author had also bring forward the sense of strong readership with her characters that uses books and writing as a medium to let them loose and become their own self. It gives us a sense of comradeship that comes with being able to also understand the characters feelings. The author's writing that is both long-winded at some but is also mundane in every sense makes this a book that I breezed through a night.
A novel that I didn't expect to like but came to love anyways. Its in the every day things and the reflections of the people from the people around you that makes up the character that is you. Definitely an interesting read and (I teared up at the end), and one that I will recommend if you're in need of something complex but light.
Hefty by Jessa Kane
adventurous
fast-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
4.25
The cover is not it…..
But …..
I actually <b>gushed</b> over this book? Its insane 🥺
Honestly, I love plus size reps , but I’ve always only seen it with women…..
And I just <b> LOVE </b> when you have men that is vulnerable but also has the heart of gold 🫶
The insecurities, the low self esteem? The author did a good job in how she portrayed the insecurities for plus sized people, be it of different genders. But lowkey, The way its actually a novella and yet I actually got hooked so bad. I went it for the fun and games but I got out of this book going <b>awww</b> because wtf this is cute as heck imma actually cry 🥺🥺🥺
Two things that Zack did was a bit #jail , but the <b> pining? </b> yeah definitely slayed . I picked this up in a week where I was so stressed with a deadline and this actually lifted my spirits up 🫶
4.25🌟 for this. Not a fan of it being in high school so thats why deducted points but damn this was 🫶
But …..
I actually <b>gushed</b> over this book? Its insane 🥺
Honestly, I love plus size reps , but I’ve always only seen it with women…..
And I just <b> LOVE </b> when you have men that is vulnerable but also has the heart of gold 🫶
The insecurities, the low self esteem? The author did a good job in how she portrayed the insecurities for plus sized people, be it of different genders. But lowkey, The way its actually a novella and yet I actually got hooked so bad. I went it for the fun and games but I got out of this book going <b>awww</b> because wtf this is cute as heck imma actually cry 🥺🥺🥺
Two things that Zack did was a bit #jail , but the <b> pining? </b> yeah definitely slayed . I picked this up in a week where I was so stressed with a deadline and this actually lifted my spirits up 🫶
4.25🌟 for this. Not a fan of it being in high school so thats why deducted points but damn this was 🫶
Caught Stealing by CE Ricci
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
Well this was something.
Not the biggest fan of the "secrets" trope, but this was an okay read. Not mad at it but it could have been sorted if Phoenix had just went up and said to his best friend at the very start.
And I don't know why, but I didn't like how Phoenix and Kason's friendship panned out. Both seemed........... a bit two-dimensional for me and the fact that they were childhood bestfriends but Theo and Holden who became friends being roommates has more brotherhood chemistry than the two of them.
Holden was a gem. I loved their banters in here, but the romance plot was a bit ick-ish :') Like its cute and all but again - Phoenix could have said something earlier.
3.5🌟 just because of Holden tbh haha.
Not the biggest fan of the "secrets" trope, but this was an okay read. Not mad at it but it could have been sorted if Phoenix had just went up and said to his best friend at the very start.
And I don't know why, but I didn't like how Phoenix and Kason's friendship panned out. Both seemed........... a bit two-dimensional for me and the fact that they were childhood bestfriends but Theo and Holden who became friends being roommates has more brotherhood chemistry than the two of them.
Holden was a gem. I loved their banters in here, but the romance plot was a bit ick-ish :') Like its cute and all but again - Phoenix could have said something earlier.
3.5🌟 just because of Holden tbh haha.
Valentino by Natalia Ginzburg
For such a short and straightforward read, Valentino has many things to unpack. Not only on the society's disparations and expectations to women but also to men and how they forgive them easily for certain things that has led them to be blinded from what was deeper; inside of a person.
Its funny, how when the story ended, I went through the pages again and gasped. Ginzburg is such an amazing storyteller. The story seemed simple, following the POV of Valentino's sister, and her views of him, his marriage, his life and hers that had intertwined as well with her sister-in-law that was not accepted by their parents. Valentino, spoilt and vain marrying to a wealthy but seemingly 'ugly' woman had led the society to view their relationship as such.
Ginzburg's writing will always leave you gobsmacked at the end. When you see tell-tale signs of what's about to happen and can't pinpoint exactly when it will happen, but when it finally blew up? Its really like reading a telenovela of sorts - but in a form that criticizes the society in such a subtle way that you'll have to dig deeper to look at the roots of the problem.
In some ways, Ginzburg has portrayed a concept of almost fluid, in the gender roles that has been implied in this book, of Valentino and his wife and how the roles were reversed - in due to what will happen at the end. (view spoiler) The malfunction of the family roles at the time, the class system as well as how Ginzburg had brilliantly and quietly panned out the story was one that I was definitely in awe off.
In short, Valentino is an intriguing story, one that you might not expect what will happen but for some, can be foreseen. Can't wait to read more of Ginzburg's works!
mysterious
reflective
fast-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
3.75
This ran deeper than the surface of the story but damn, Ginzburg is such a storyteller.
This was such an entertaining read but also when reflected - will leave you going through the notions that seemed subtle but was thrown from the very start of the story.
This was such an entertaining read but also when reflected - will leave you going through the notions that seemed subtle but was thrown from the very start of the story.
"Valentino seemed devoid of any ambition to become a man of consequence; in the house, he usually spent his time playing with a kitten or making toys for the caretaker's children out of scraps of old material stuffed with sawdust, fashioning cats and dogs and monsters too, with big heads and long, lumpy bodies.
For such a short and straightforward read, Valentino has many things to unpack. Not only on the society's disparations and expectations to women but also to men and how they forgive them easily for certain things that has led them to be blinded from what was deeper; inside of a person.
Its funny, how when the story ended, I went through the pages again and gasped. Ginzburg is such an amazing storyteller. The story seemed simple, following the POV of Valentino's sister, and her views of him, his marriage, his life and hers that had intertwined as well with her sister-in-law that was not accepted by their parents. Valentino, spoilt and vain marrying to a wealthy but seemingly 'ugly' woman had led the society to view their relationship as such.
Ginzburg's writing will always leave you gobsmacked at the end. When you see tell-tale signs of what's about to happen and can't pinpoint exactly when it will happen, but when it finally blew up? Its really like reading a telenovela of sorts - but in a form that criticizes the society in such a subtle way that you'll have to dig deeper to look at the roots of the problem.
In some ways, Ginzburg has portrayed a concept of almost fluid, in the gender roles that has been implied in this book, of Valentino and his wife and how the roles were reversed - in due to what will happen at the end. (view spoiler) The malfunction of the family roles at the time, the class system as well as how Ginzburg had brilliantly and quietly panned out the story was one that I was definitely in awe off.
In short, Valentino is an intriguing story, one that you might not expect what will happen but for some, can be foreseen. Can't wait to read more of Ginzburg's works!
Beast in the Shadows by Edogawa Rampo
Dark to its very core, Beast in The Shadows is a "who-dun-it" that blurred into the line between fiction and reality. A crime-detective author's life had changed when met a woman who had asked for her help with an ex threatening letters. A number of events happened that lead to deaths that were questionable.
This story will get you on the very edge of the seat from the start to the very last page. Even at the last pages, my mind is still wondering and processing what the heck had just happened and was everything real? It got me questioning what was right and was wrong, and in which parts of the stories that had not be directed into thinking that it can be as such. This is my first read from Rampo, and I kid you not I was not dissapointed. His writing was not only beautiful and poignant, it leaves you with a deep sense of dread and leaves readers wanting more. The proses were not as tight as other books I've read that you could leave you spiraling, and yet, it still left me breathless after finishing a chapter.
The case for me was peculiar and the revelation was astounding. Astounding due to the fact that its so short but so well-written. Nothing in this story seemed real, and again, you'll be questioning everything. I won't be saying too much, but goddamn, this was such a thrilling read (definitely not something you should pick up at 2 bloody AM).
Dark, poignant and a very interesting read. The darkness of humans in which lust, desire and the blurred lines of fantasy and reality had made me hooked to the story till the very end. Goddamn, a short but definitely a read that I will not forget for a very long time.
Personal Ratings : 4🌟
(Read this for #JanuaryinJapan)
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Well goddamn?
That almost got me spiraling.... and I often question myself why do I always pick up books like this at 2AM? And this book did not disappoint. Albeit short, it got me into a state of frenzy, of relentless deductions and into the darkness that was not expected. There's a reason why Rampo is a household crime thriller name. This book was dark and horrifying and it lets you question yourself, what is right and what is wrong, until the very end.
That almost got me spiraling.... and I often question myself why do I always pick up books like this at 2AM? And this book did not disappoint. Albeit short, it got me into a state of frenzy, of relentless deductions and into the darkness that was not expected. There's a reason why Rampo is a household crime thriller name. This book was dark and horrifying and it lets you question yourself, what is right and what is wrong, until the very end.
"However, there are many instances in which the benevolence of a virtuous man and the guile of a fiend have resided together in one person. Indeed, the more benevolent and appealing to others a person is, the easier it is for the devil within to find disciples.
Dark to its very core, Beast in The Shadows is a "who-dun-it" that blurred into the line between fiction and reality. A crime-detective author's life had changed when met a woman who had asked for her help with an ex threatening letters. A number of events happened that lead to deaths that were questionable.
This story will get you on the very edge of the seat from the start to the very last page. Even at the last pages, my mind is still wondering and processing what the heck had just happened and was everything real? It got me questioning what was right and was wrong, and in which parts of the stories that had not be directed into thinking that it can be as such. This is my first read from Rampo, and I kid you not I was not dissapointed. His writing was not only beautiful and poignant, it leaves you with a deep sense of dread and leaves readers wanting more. The proses were not as tight as other books I've read that you could leave you spiraling, and yet, it still left me breathless after finishing a chapter.
The case for me was peculiar and the revelation was astounding. Astounding due to the fact that its so short but so well-written. Nothing in this story seemed real, and again, you'll be questioning everything. I won't be saying too much, but goddamn, this was such a thrilling read (definitely not something you should pick up at 2 bloody AM).
Dark, poignant and a very interesting read. The darkness of humans in which lust, desire and the blurred lines of fantasy and reality had made me hooked to the story till the very end. Goddamn, a short but definitely a read that I will not forget for a very long time.
Personal Ratings : 4🌟
(Read this for #JanuaryinJapan)
The Goodbye Cat by Hiro Arikawa
For a story that has a seemingly straightforward plot, I loved how its a potrayal of so many things inside the stories. We can observe a lot of cats in Japanese works, literature and even art that its considered part of the culture there -with cats as either a background in the story or the main characters themselves.
For The Goodbye Cat, the 7 short stories are a mix of different perspectives, but mostly highlighting cats as the main characters and each stories has its own unique traits. But whats common in most of the stories in this book is in the observation of humans in the eyes of a cat . The actions that reflects the animals behaviour , in how some are kind and some can be mean, in which each story portrays the overall feeling of the story through the eyes of the cats. I loved how different each stories and circumstances are, and how realistic they are. Humans and animals have a deeper connection than we think they have and these are what is portrayed in the book.
I was not a cat person myself. Cats naturally come to me but I didn't emphatize as much - until I had my own cats, and I think that's what had made me bawled my eyes so much - because as owners, we wonder the feelings of our cats as well. Pet owners has a special relationship with their pets. They are not just animals in the house, they are a part of the family, an extension of their daily lives, and the mere thought of losing a loved one can break your heart to pieces, let alone your own family. I love the way God created us, in a sense where everything is a full cycle - and that is what potrayed in the book. Everything that happens to us, instances that led us to certain things, all has its meaning, and in due time, it will become a blessing in disguise.
This book looks to be a very simple book on the surface, but when dived deeper, its a whole exploration of human connections and animals in ways that is unexpected. Its a story that is very heartwarming but also has a bittersweet end that can make you tear up (or in my case, bawled my eyes out). Its a story that can last and transcends time.
Recommended and I'm glad I read this for one of my reads for #JanuaryinJapan.
Thank you to Times Reads for this copy, I truly appreciate it .
Personal Ratings: 4.5🌟
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-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
4.5
The way I bawled my eyes out almost half of the story? Like out of the 7 stories, I cried for 5 of them. And I wasn't just crying, I was literally sobbing my eyes out to a point that I woke up my cats, got them confused and licking my tears which ended up of me crying more :') Yeah this book had taken me for such a good ride.
"Creators were human beings , and human beings instinctively cared how others reacted to what they created. How may people in the world, when ordered to put a lid on that instinct, could actually comply?"
For a story that has a seemingly straightforward plot, I loved how its a potrayal of so many things inside the stories. We can observe a lot of cats in Japanese works, literature and even art that its considered part of the culture there -with cats as either a background in the story or the main characters themselves.
For The Goodbye Cat, the 7 short stories are a mix of different perspectives, but mostly highlighting cats as the main characters and each stories has its own unique traits. But whats common in most of the stories in this book is in the observation of humans in the eyes of a cat . The actions that reflects the animals behaviour , in how some are kind and some can be mean, in which each story portrays the overall feeling of the story through the eyes of the cats. I loved how different each stories and circumstances are, and how realistic they are. Humans and animals have a deeper connection than we think they have and these are what is portrayed in the book.
I was not a cat person myself. Cats naturally come to me but I didn't emphatize as much - until I had my own cats, and I think that's what had made me bawled my eyes so much - because as owners, we wonder the feelings of our cats as well. Pet owners has a special relationship with their pets. They are not just animals in the house, they are a part of the family, an extension of their daily lives, and the mere thought of losing a loved one can break your heart to pieces, let alone your own family. I love the way God created us, in a sense where everything is a full cycle - and that is what potrayed in the book. Everything that happens to us, instances that led us to certain things, all has its meaning, and in due time, it will become a blessing in disguise.
This book looks to be a very simple book on the surface, but when dived deeper, its a whole exploration of human connections and animals in ways that is unexpected. Its a story that is very heartwarming but also has a bittersweet end that can make you tear up (or in my case, bawled my eyes out). Its a story that can last and transcends time.
Recommended and I'm glad I read this for one of my reads for #JanuaryinJapan.
Thank you to Times Reads for this copy, I truly appreciate it .
Personal Ratings: 4.5🌟