This is an interesting read to say the least and I think it would be better for the reader if the synopsis was altered to better fit the theme and tone of the book and the inclusion of a trigger warning for rape/sexual assault would be appropriate. It is possible that there is quite a bit lost in translation - both in the language and culture being discussed. This, and the somewhat awkward storytelling style in which the narrator is addressing "you," make it difficult to connect to the characters or get grounded in the storytelling. I think that the book might suffer a bit because the expectations set by the packaging and marketing aren't quite in keeping with its contents. 2 out of 5 wine glasses.

Thank you for the chance to review this book, however, unfortunately, I was unable to download this title before it was archived

Emily by Novala Takemoto, Misa Dikengil Lindberg (Translator)

Pages: N/A

Published: Shueisha English Edition

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Lolita, Japanese



Link(s): Goodreads

Overall Rating: 1/5

The Review

The collection of stories Takemoto shares is both tragic and disappointing in the sense that they lack empathy. As a reader, I found this book difficult to read due to the harshness in tone and the little care placed on the page.

Words hold meaning.

I think if she had died from an illness or an accident, I might have become a little sentimental. But she committed suicide. She was the one who wanted to die, who chose death. Just as someone who wants to travel to Bali boards a plane and goes there, and just as someone who wants to eat Korean barbecue beef steps into a Korean barbecue restaurant, Kimiko died as she wanted.
The author compared suicide to choosing to eat barbecue. That is sick and twisted. As an artist, Takemoto has free reign to do whatever he wants to do with his art, but because his art is public, I as a reader have every right to find it distasteful and unsatisfying.

Due to the content, I cannot recommend reading this piece. It is triggering in the sense that it makes suicide acceptable. It may not be the main focus of the book but as a reader, I can't stop thinking about that one section and that is deeply problematic.