Reviews

The Art of Vanishing by Lynne Kutsukake

aribe2002's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

laurapoulosky's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars. The dynamic between the two main characters was interesting, and also infuriating. I appreciated the reflections on art, representation, and identity.

kbuns's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

chileanstorm's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book did so many things at the same time, it is masterful how Kutsukake pulled it off. A book about finding the meaning of self in others and in your own work, it is a read that lets you reflect on your own work. It gives you a few emotional gut punches along the way though, so be prepared. 

pandaintheshelves's review against another edition

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4.0

I've got to be honest; initially, I didn't connect well with the story. While I enjoyed the narrative style, it was difficult for me to get immersed at the beginning of the book. But little by little, this was changing. By the end of the book, I was very much invested in this novel about friendship, love, betrayal, and relationships in general.

The setting (Japan during the 1970s) was captivating. I appreciated the cultural insights, as always. The character development, self-reflection, and the mystery surrounding Sayako's disappearance kept me engaged until the end.

The story touches on some heavy topics. The author handles these with compassion and care, but please, be mindful of your mental health and check for trigger warnings.

TW: suicide, cult, sexual assault

bookishmornings's review

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challenging reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

libraincarnate's review against another edition

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dark reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was such an interesting book! It started off almost feeling a bit detached, but that kind of floated into being completely immersive for me.  It touched on some heavier topics than I had expected - TW for sexual assault, cults and suicide - but they were all handled quite gracefully.  

This book felt quite quiet, but impactful. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!