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I have read 1984 before, but this was my first read that conferred real meaning and ability to draw terrifying parallels into the present. Astutely representative and profoundly depressing.
I feel a little ambivalent about this one. I'd give it 3.5 stars. While I enjoyed it and there were a couple really good storylines, without giving anything away, I wasn't sure I'd agree with who the author chose as the moral compass of the story. I ended up not liking most of the characters.
This was an overall very enjoyable, summery read. I picked it up at a bookstore, enchanted by the cover and the sleeve glimpsing into chaotic lives of 20-something girlies in NYC (relevant!). The writing felt new and exciting. While I ultimately didn't mind that the book didn't have much of a plot, I probably would've preferred it to be shorter.
While this short book, roughly divided into 3 narratives, felt a bit disjointed at times (the abrupt transition / subtlety of connection was especially evident to me between parts 1 & 2), I still profoundly enjoyed each part individually. The writing was touching and distinct in each story. As someone who is a creature of habit and enjoys partaking in rituals that ground me, I could relate to Part 1 well (even though it got silly towards the end). Part 2 made me feel sad for the state of our profit-oriented world that seems to have lost a part of humanity. Part 3 really moved me, and I have a soft spot for immigrant narratives. All in all, I would love to read more of Otsuka's work.