Specs
Reviews
(3.89/5)Highly recommend the audiobook.
Anne of Green Gables style, this book centers around an odd young woman and the unexpected charm she brings to the small town community around her. The book consists of 5 different stories, each from the perspective of a different character, but all connected in some way to Naruse. They do seem to be in chronological order, so there is progression through time over the course of the book, but there isn't a particularly strong overarching plot. If you enjoy slice of life and coming of age stories, you might enjoy this book.
I can't explain exactly why, but I felt oddly comforted by this book. Though the main character is in high school, it doesn't feel like a story only for high schoolers. There's a certain charm to Naruse and the community around her that felt relatable and nostalgic.
It was a great book to listen to while driving, taking walks, or doing chores. The audiobook is very well done, and none of the narrators felt over-the-top with the voices, which is something I appreciate.
I read that the author lives in Otsu Prefecture, where the book is set. There are frequent references to Lake Biwa and local stations and stores, and though I've never been myself, the local references almost made me feel like I have a connection to that area now.
In terms of language learning and cultural notes, it would probably be good to know a little bit about manzai since that comes up in the book. Other than that, I don't think there was much specialized vocabulary.
Good, but a little overhyped
The story was good, but some of the lines and jokes were a little bit cringey to me at times. I also did not like how the author just casually mentioned certain things like self-deletion, which did not really fit in the tone of the story imo. I liked the nostalgic feeling of the story, especially since a seibu department store around my area coincidentally closed as I was reading the book.