natashak1's Reviews (265)

I really didn't expect to adore this as much as I did, but despite not being as self-indulgently reflective as the books I usually go for, this one really hit a note with me. Maybe because I have a similar philosophy as the main character (in almost every way) but I really felt as though Yuzuki managed to write a book that brilliantly encapsulates a lot of ideas about relationships and self-reflection that I think are just incredibly positive. 

My three stars here are not to say I was apathetic about this book at all. There were elements I adored (all of the characters are complex and interesting), and other bits that were incomprehensible to me (why why why did the main character have to be quite so naive and unprofessional? I wanted to like her and smack her in equal measure, and not in a good way). 
Very ambitious for a debut too, and I think this one could have done with expanding and editing just a little more. Very fun, just not overly polished. 

Despite struggling with the style of this one a little at the beginning, the whole thing considered together is just undoubtedly perfect and horribly relevant. Totally understand why it won the booker, it's a masterpiece.

The ending was absolutely perfect so despite a couple of elements here and there feeling a little unengaging for me I did very much appreciate and enjoy it as a whole.

Really lovely and really horrible, particularly given the wider context of the plot. The ending was perfect. Absolutely adored it from start to finish.