Kawakami has crafted a truly heart-wrenching story that examines morality, power, and the perspectives of cruelty. Set in a toxic school environment filled with bullying and cruelty, Kawakami wonders at the arguments victims and perpetrators craft to feel secure in the social role they inhabit, in such an extreme power imbalance. Many passages were hard for me to read—the violence done to the main character and his friend was astounding, and the arguments they made for why they deserved it, or how it would strengthen their character pained me. I wanted to run into the pages to help them, but alas, the barrier between realities separated us.
This is also a sweet story of friendship between two outcasts, showing their strength, loyalty and solidarity in the face of the callous brutality of their tormentors. Their summer together outside of school was a bright beam of light in the middle of darkness. It was beautiful see how their friendship evolved over the course of a year or so.
Kawakami examines the minutiae of Japanese society, bringing importance and potency to what could be called a small story. Her insight is unparalleled. This will be one of my favorites of her work alongside Breasts and Eggs. While the subject matter is harsh, I am happy to have finally read this. Superb.
The pacing and intrigue were good but wow, the main character’s narration was SOOO annoying to me. Both sounding like a know it all, but also making so many dumb errors/judgements. And the footnotes felt very basic and preachy in a weird way, maybe relevant in 2014 but maybe not now.
I read this on audio (exciting for me!!), and even though it took me awhile, I really enjoyed it. Very intense, sad and thoughtful memoir. —
I decided to dip my toes back into audiobooks, and I think I’m ~lightly~ hooked! They’re such a nice companion to cooking, cleaning, and going on walks, and perfect for when I need a bit of a break from tunes (I’m not much of a podcast girl). I started with this book on a whim, and while it took me a month to get through, I found it to be a very valuable, heartrending read.
Potts chronicles her childhood in rural Arkansas, focusing on her friendship with a girl named Darcy and how, and why, their lives went in completely different directions. Potts journalistic roots shine through as she deftly weaves facts and studies about the living in rural areas with her own story, and that of Darcy. By examining how her and Darcy’s paths diverged, Potts questions how and why living in rural areas results in worse health, educational, and employment outcomes for these communities.
Yet hidden just below a somewhat journalistic tone, Potts’ story is full of emotion. Her friendship with Darcy, both as children and then reconnecting in adulthood, is an endless push-and-pull, yet full of loyalty and hope. Potts’ recollections of her childhood, and returning to her hometown, were brought to life through her heartfelt narration. I’m so glad I came to this story on audio!
This is a very balanced memoir with a lot of hope and insight to build better communities in rural areas. I may not have picked up this book in print, but I’m so glad I gave it a listen. It’s a deeply felt love letter to Potts’ home, and all those who prefer open skies to crowded roads. Definitely not one to overlook!