Beautiful

I really appreciated the insight of Japanese history and the Korean racial histories. With all that is happening in the U.S. right now around historical racial issues it is interesting to learn about challenges in other cultures. The story is very absorbing and the exploration of the subject fascinating. The philosophical contemplations and relational struggles are masterfully done. I would like to read additional works by this author. Thank you for bringing this to the English language. The performance by Nishii is terrific. Handles so many voices and personalities in nuanced and expert ways. I really enjoyed this book as I worked on putting in a new floor and cabinets in my kitchen.

6 people found this helpful

Sutil

Poetic . Philosophical. Beautifully written. Entreating cinematographic description . Contemplative. sincere out pour of emotions
Highly recommend

6 people found this helpful

Definitely recommended

I found the author pulled off the double-mystery angle here well. Main character, not part of either situation directly, came across well enough that the details of his own personal life were relavant for me. Had to pay attention to the audio to keep from losing the plot; in that respect, reading print might have been easier, especially with Japanese names! However, Brian Nishii's specialization in Japanese terms works well with him overall as narrator. Translation so efficient that I got the feeling it had been written in English in the first place.

2 people found this helpful

Wonderful

A thoughtful story that takes its time enveloping you in the lives of memorable characters as it unwinds a mystery involving love, loss and the search for identify.

Superb narration as well

1 person found this helpful

Intriguing

This is my first book by Japanese writer in English translation. Audible narrator does good job pronouncing Japanese names and places naturally.

1 person found this helpful

Interesting story, good narration

This was an interesting story, somewhat hard to relate to if you don't understand Japanese culture and the pressures to conform and be accepted by society.

1 person found this helpful

WTF... it's so good

I love this story so much. The narrator was also top notch.
I'm recommending this to everyone I know

1 person found this helpful

Japanese immersion

This was good, interesting culturally and an emotionally personal story. It presents a bit of difficulty initially in Audio due to remembering the names, but after a while it is fine. The mystery angle makes it more fun, but it is not a thriller per se. Good one for Japanese novel devotees that want to branch out a bit.

Very good mystery

Good plot with interesting Japanese cultural insights throughout. Matches the Audible description, so if that peeks your interest then you'll probably enjoy it.

Would Make an Award Winning Film

see my final review to be posted at www.instagram.com/angelsmomreads. links in bio to my good reads and blog. My fave read of August 2021