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