Reviews

Il lago by Banana Yoshimoto

deedralapray's review against another edition

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3.0

This one was deeeeeeep....two very complex characters in a very complex relationship. The story takes place in Japan, so there are cultural boundaries to cross. I really enjoyed the book, but couldn't help but think it would have had more meaning if one of the characters would have killed themselves. Dark, huh???

Not a YA book. Not that it is filled with graphic sex or violence, it just requires too much life experience to be enjoyed by a young adult.

artemisia5's review against another edition

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5.0

This was so good I cried
The dialogue and characters remind me of Ai Yazawa

lecturas_niponas's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

megs_k's review against another edition

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5.0

If there's a powerful light, the darkness that is it's opposite will be just as strong. ~ Banana Yoshimoto

theano_'s review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

valorieearch's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

4.25

lizaliza5's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.25

This book is so tense. The entire time you know something awful has transpired and you have to wait until the last ~15 pages for a real explanation. Clearly what happened isn't the important part, it's how the characters find contentedness move along with their lives, with the healing power of love/something to work towards and look forward to, a very common theme in Banana Yoshimoto's writing. I loved the awkward tenderness in the romance and the descriptions of how it feels to love your imperfect parents. Made me want to call my mom.
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lklein5's review against another edition

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5.0

themes of grief, connection - made me feel less lonely while reading

danielleganon's review against another edition

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inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

bithikahalder's review against another edition

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reflective fast-paced

3.5