I had high expectations for these books and they delivered.⁣ My Brother’s Husband follows single father Yaichi and his daughter Kana as they get to know Mike, the Canadian husband of Yaichi’s estranged twin brother who has just passed away. This story is tender and educational without feeling heavy handed. Tagame made teaching me a ton about the perception of homosexuality in Japan (and how it’s evolving!) look so easy. ⁣
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One of the things that most impressed me about this story, and which I only started to notice after reading Taylor’s review is how Tagame expertly portrays characters’ thoughts, I was astounded at how inside his characters’ heads I felt, even when very little text was present to describe a character’s inner monologue. ⁣
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I love these characters so much, and their various dynamics were a delight. Kana and Mike’s instant love for each other, and Yaichi’s conflicted self analysis of his prejudices, and how they shaped his relationship with his late brother, were so well crafted. Smart and full of so much heart, I highly recommend this story.