A fascinating book that can only be published in paper form. In this e-reader era, this book is a perfect rebel, or say…an absolute love-letter to printed books.
Great trick. Can’t imagine how difficult it must be. Very interesting about the trick and the story was enjoyable. Very easy to read and kept me interested to keep reading to find out what the title means.
If I had to describe this book in a sentence, it would be like the sweetest candy hidden in the most sour lemon. You can never appreciate this book until you dutifully get through all the boring stuff to the end. Also, this is a book, which as per advertised, cannot be read: 1) In a digital format 2) In a language other than Japanese (maybe Chinese).
I won't go into details of this book or provide spoilers in any form. However, I must say this is one book I shall never forget in my life, and I will always wish I could reread it, but I know I can't.
This book is an absolute 5 stars (and I doubt there will be any other book like this in the future as it's too hard to write). Kudos to Sugii Hikaru sensei.
The story itself might not be particularly all that interesting or exciting, and the mystery is just so-so and gets solved in a very anticlimactic manner, BUT... But what saves this novel and makes it stand out, lies in the requirements that it must be enjoyed only in its original Japanese, in soft cover size (and how that relates to the meaning behind the title), Also I liked the story's natural transition in the end into meta territory. I appreciate literature where the writer plays a part as one of the characters. As I said the story might be mediocre, but this was an easy and quick read, and above all the "moment" everything gets explained was really something.
Layout, typesetting, design elements, yes, this is an excellently thought-out book. In terms of the writing, I think much has been compromised because of its intent (won’t spoilt it here). I was struck by how much of a YA text this seems, initially, nothing against YA but for what this has been advertised, I was expecting something more. In addition, the characters absolutely were dry, and the whole plot contraption was more of a gimmick to me than literary merit. Can’t say more lest I give away the plot. Most of what makes this book great comes at the end of the novel, and the climax wasn’t that worth the buildup.
The story is fairly predictable, which isn't ideal for a mystery. However, the novel’s use of a special format that can only be fully appreciated in paper copies adds a unique layer to the reading experience. Other formats simply can't replicate the effect, making it like a boring black coat with a playful lining beneath the shell.
Simplesmente genial! A história em si é muito boa. Com nenhum objetivo a seguir depois da morte de sua mãe, o protagonista é "contratado" pelo seu meio-irmão para achar o último manuscrito que seu pai escreveu antes de morrer. Em meio dessa busca, ele conhece várias pessoas, além de conhecer melhor seu pai, o qual não mantinha contato quando estava vivo. Além de ser emocionante, o final nos espera com um reviravolta impressionante! Que faz todo mundo voltar as páginas.
A fairly ordinary mystery story wrapped in perhaps the most bonkers meta-narrative structural insanity I have ever experienced. I had at least TWO separate "oh what the fuck" moments while reading this book that could have only happened in a book written in Japanese, in this very specific format, and on paper. What an unbelievable accomplishment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a short, easy to read and interesting book! I like the story, and I also enjoy the process of discovering the story together with the main character. Not sure if it can be translated to any other languages besides Japanese and Mandarin — hopefully more people can have a chance to read this book. Recommend!