What do you think?
Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 07:14:58
20 copies available
U.S. only
Don't Laugh at Other People's Sex Lives
Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 07:14:58
20 copies available
U.S. only
A love story that feels both new and achingly true, capturing the intensity, uncertainties and intimacy of falling for someone.
Art student Isogai first models for one of his tutors, the much older Yuri, then begins a passionate affair with her. As he gets to know her better, he struggles to understand his own emotions and his place in the world, just as he yearns to be closer to her and for her to share more of herself with him.
Don’t Laugh at Other People’s Sex Lives was a smash-hit in Japan, winning the prestigious Bungei Prize, and selling over 250,000 copies. A touching portrait of late adolescence, with Isogai captured with exasperation, humour and tenderness, it is also, and above all else, an exploration of the exhilarating and destabilising experience of a love that defies prediction or explanation.
Art student Isogai first models for one of his tutors, the much older Yuri, then begins a passionate affair with her. As he gets to know her better, he struggles to understand his own emotions and his place in the world, just as he yearns to be closer to her and for her to share more of herself with him.
Don’t Laugh at Other People’s Sex Lives was a smash-hit in Japan, winning the prestigious Bungei Prize, and selling over 250,000 copies. A touching portrait of late adolescence, with Isogai captured with exasperation, humour and tenderness, it is also, and above all else, an exploration of the exhilarating and destabilising experience of a love that defies prediction or explanation.
72 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2004
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
August 15, 2022
Leggendo alcune recensioni in giro, noto che molti si aspettavano una storia entusiasmante, chissà quali eventi, declassando subito il libro.
Invece credo che questo sia uno dei motivi per cui amo moltissimo la letteratura giapponese, che è l'eccellenza del "non succede nulla", perché loro hanno il potere di farti affascinare della quotidianità.
Come descrivono i più piccoli gesti, la forma della volpe fatta con la mano di Yuri, Isogai che osserva i primissimi capelli bianchi di lei, i canini che si intravedono quando sorride En-Chan, e tutti quegli spaccati di conversazioni che per quanto "strani" (parliamo di una donna sposata che ha una relazione con un suo studente) risultano normali, narrati senza giudizi, come se l'autrice ci stesse semplicemente mostrano una delle tante realtà nel mondo.
La letteratura giapponese è capace di farti amare anche il fatto di aspettare un autobus alla fermata e di non capirci niente della vita.
Invece credo che questo sia uno dei motivi per cui amo moltissimo la letteratura giapponese, che è l'eccellenza del "non succede nulla", perché loro hanno il potere di farti affascinare della quotidianità.
Come descrivono i più piccoli gesti, la forma della volpe fatta con la mano di Yuri, Isogai che osserva i primissimi capelli bianchi di lei, i canini che si intravedono quando sorride En-Chan, e tutti quegli spaccati di conversazioni che per quanto "strani" (parliamo di una donna sposata che ha una relazione con un suo studente) risultano normali, narrati senza giudizi, come se l'autrice ci stesse semplicemente mostrano una delle tante realtà nel mondo.
La letteratura giapponese è capace di farti amare anche il fatto di aspettare un autobus alla fermata e di non capirci niente della vita.
August 24, 2026
Boże uchroń mnie przed takim situationshipem 3.5
June 23, 2022
Videorecensione: https://youtu.be/o7WVdM-_uno
August 5, 2022
Romanzo del 2004, che ha vinto premi, da cui hanno tratto un film e che inaugura questa nuova collana di Rizzoli di letteratura giapponese “che i giapponesi di oggi davvero leggono”.
Mia reazione quando l’ho finito: mah.
La storia – ma me lo aspettavo – è quasi impalpabile: la più classica delle relazioni senza futuro tra uno studente diciannovenne e la sua insegnante sposata e di vent’anni più vecchia; lui travolto dalla forza del primo amore, lei, che comunque ha dato avvio alla cosa, sfuggente, trattenuta, ma sempre con modi carini e gentili, da narcisista level pro.
Comunque, se voleva essere una riflessione sulle dinamiche sentimentali contemporanee (che sono il fulcro anche del racconto che chiude il libro) serviva qualcosa di più.
Mentre non servivano assolutamente i momenti di inarrivabile trash disseminati qua e là.
Mia reazione quando l’ho finito: mah.
La storia – ma me lo aspettavo – è quasi impalpabile: la più classica delle relazioni senza futuro tra uno studente diciannovenne e la sua insegnante sposata e di vent’anni più vecchia; lui travolto dalla forza del primo amore, lei, che comunque ha dato avvio alla cosa, sfuggente, trattenuta, ma sempre con modi carini e gentili, da narcisista level pro.
Comunque, se voleva essere una riflessione sulle dinamiche sentimentali contemporanee (che sono il fulcro anche del racconto che chiude il libro) serviva qualcosa di più.
Mentre non servivano assolutamente i momenti di inarrivabile trash disseminati qua e là.
Passai la notte bevendo whisky da una fiaschetta portatile e sfogliando album di pittura a letto. Mi versai un po’ di whisky sul pene. Pizzicava, e si raggrinzì tutto. Incuriosito dalla sensazione, andai avanti per un po’ a bagnarmelo con gocce di liquore. Che cretino che sono.
April 13, 2026
I'm honestly not sure how I felt about 'Don't Laugh At Other People's Sex Lives'. I've enjoyed a lot of other translated Japanese slice of life novellas but something about this book just didn't quite click.
The story follows a young male student who ends up sleeping with his older, married female art teacher, but I wouldn't say it's a passionate affair like the blurb describes. It's much more mundane than that, it's more about a young man navigating his first romantic encounter and dealing with the complications of being the one who's more invested in the relationship.
I enjoyed the female character much more than the male one and perhaps why the story didn't quite click for me. The story is written from the male perspective and he's just the much less interesting character of the main two, and his is the point of view in this type of narrative that has been explored more. I think if this had been told from the art teacher's perspective I would have enjoyed the story more.
Overall, I'd say that if you've enjoyed other slice of life novellas there's no harm in giving this a go too, as it's a short enough read that if you don't end up liking it you won't feel like you've wasted your time and it is a quietly beautiful read.
Thank you to Zando | SJP Lit and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.
The story follows a young male student who ends up sleeping with his older, married female art teacher, but I wouldn't say it's a passionate affair like the blurb describes. It's much more mundane than that, it's more about a young man navigating his first romantic encounter and dealing with the complications of being the one who's more invested in the relationship.
I enjoyed the female character much more than the male one and perhaps why the story didn't quite click for me. The story is written from the male perspective and he's just the much less interesting character of the main two, and his is the point of view in this type of narrative that has been explored more. I think if this had been told from the art teacher's perspective I would have enjoyed the story more.
Overall, I'd say that if you've enjoyed other slice of life novellas there's no harm in giving this a go too, as it's a short enough read that if you don't end up liking it you won't feel like you've wasted your time and it is a quietly beautiful read.
Thank you to Zando | SJP Lit and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.
October 27, 2022
Banale e inutile. La post fazione ancora più inutile, vuole spiegarti il libro come se volesse convincerti che tutto sommato non hai fatto una brutta lettura🙄
June 12, 2026
In falling for someone, I came to understand that all my tastes and preferences were kind of irrelevant. Your feelings took on the shape of the person in front of you
- that was how it worked. I was never going to be into someone who just so happened to precisely cohere with my fantasies.
- that was how it worked. I was never going to be into someone who just so happened to precisely cohere with my fantasies.
August 3, 2026
This was a weird, weird book.
But one that helped me out of my reading slump.
An affair of a student and his lecturer, 20 years older than him.
In this case, netiher were at wrong, but neither were right either.
A coming-of-age story, on the discovery of one's own inner desire, and going through the motions of heartbreak. The characters are eccentric to say the least, and the end of the book had left me genuinely... speechless.
3.5 stars. Read it because of Polly Barton but honestly, I would actually want to explore more of the author's works.
But one that helped me out of my reading slump.
An affair of a student and his lecturer, 20 years older than him.
In this case, netiher were at wrong, but neither were right either.
A coming-of-age story, on the discovery of one's own inner desire, and going through the motions of heartbreak. The characters are eccentric to say the least, and the end of the book had left me genuinely... speechless.
3.5 stars. Read it because of Polly Barton but honestly, I would actually want to explore more of the author's works.
Read
August 11, 2022Visto in libreria, noleggiato su Mlol, letto in pochi giorni.
Sì, l'ho cercato semplicemente per il titolo e per la copertina, che trovo molto bella.
Si tratta della solita, delicata, quotidiana storia giapponese. Un giovane studente e la sua insegnante intrecciano una relazione, ma a dispetto del titolo qui si raccontano solo i sentimenti. Cucinare insieme, passare il capodanno insieme, camminare insieme, aspettarsi davanti alla metropolitana... resto sempre spiazzata da come gli autori del sol levante riescano ad elevare le azioni più comuni.
Nota interessante: è uno dei pochi romanzi in cui la scrittrice, donna, si inventa e dà voce a un protagonista maschile. Pare che in Giappone sia molto più frequente l'opposto.
Sì, l'ho cercato semplicemente per il titolo e per la copertina, che trovo molto bella.
Si tratta della solita, delicata, quotidiana storia giapponese. Un giovane studente e la sua insegnante intrecciano una relazione, ma a dispetto del titolo qui si raccontano solo i sentimenti. Cucinare insieme, passare il capodanno insieme, camminare insieme, aspettarsi davanti alla metropolitana... resto sempre spiazzata da come gli autori del sol levante riescano ad elevare le azioni più comuni.
Nota interessante: è uno dei pochi romanzi in cui la scrittrice, donna, si inventa e dà voce a un protagonista maschile. Pare che in Giappone sia molto più frequente l'opposto.
May 21, 2026
«Professoressa, certo che cammina veramente veloce!»
«Senti...»
«Si?»
«Tu mi piaci. Te ne eri accorto?»
«Oh... ecco... forse sì.»
«Ti ho osservato in classe. Hai un bel viso.
Mi piace la linea delle tue spalle, e la forma dei tuoi gomiti. E la punta delle tue dita.»
«Eh? La punta delle dita?»
«E poi hai un'aria molto particolare.»
«Davvero?»
«Mirume Isogai... è un bel nome.»
«Me lo dicono spesso.»
«Vorrei conoscerti meglio, parlare ancora con te.»
Non ero più cosi giovane da perdere la testa a sentirmi dire da una donna che le piacevo, e soprattutto non ero del tutto sicuro che stesse parlando sul serio, quindi mi limitai a risposte generiche, come «va bene», «rivediamoci» e così via.
La accompagnai fino all'ingresso della metropolitana. Mi salutò con la mano da dietro i tornelli. Ricambiai il saluto.
Mi scappò un sospiro.
Mi dispiaceva per lei, mi sembrava una persona molto sola.
Anche se era sposata.
4 ⭐️ Isogai, diciannovenne, incontra Yuri per la prima volta all’istituto di arti visive che frequenta, difatti è la sua professoressa di quasi quarant’anni. Una sera Yuri gli confessa che gli piace, nonostante sia sposata.
Da qui inizia una lunga storia d’amore, si può dire d’amore? Mah non direi, diciamo che lui all’inizio gli faceva da modello e lei non ci provava minimamente poi col passare del tempo i due divennero amanti. Lei così insoddisfatta della sua vita con suo marito, che però amava alla follia, voleva restare amante per sempre con il suo bello studente, il quale però vedeva di buon occhio anche le sue coetanee…giustamente.
Isogai generalmente non si fidava delle donne: cambiano continuamente idea, dicono cose che non pensano per cui non abbassava mai la guardia.
Farà bene il nostro personaggio a comportarsi così anche con la prof? Non vi svelo di più, perché è un libricino tanto piccino e carino che potete leggerlo voi stessi.
Ah, alla fine c’è anche un altra piccola storia intitolata “carie e gentilezza”.
«Senti...»
«Si?»
«Tu mi piaci. Te ne eri accorto?»
«Oh... ecco... forse sì.»
«Ti ho osservato in classe. Hai un bel viso.
Mi piace la linea delle tue spalle, e la forma dei tuoi gomiti. E la punta delle tue dita.»
«Eh? La punta delle dita?»
«E poi hai un'aria molto particolare.»
«Davvero?»
«Mirume Isogai... è un bel nome.»
«Me lo dicono spesso.»
«Vorrei conoscerti meglio, parlare ancora con te.»
Non ero più cosi giovane da perdere la testa a sentirmi dire da una donna che le piacevo, e soprattutto non ero del tutto sicuro che stesse parlando sul serio, quindi mi limitai a risposte generiche, come «va bene», «rivediamoci» e così via.
La accompagnai fino all'ingresso della metropolitana. Mi salutò con la mano da dietro i tornelli. Ricambiai il saluto.
Mi scappò un sospiro.
Mi dispiaceva per lei, mi sembrava una persona molto sola.
Anche se era sposata.
4 ⭐️ Isogai, diciannovenne, incontra Yuri per la prima volta all’istituto di arti visive che frequenta, difatti è la sua professoressa di quasi quarant’anni. Una sera Yuri gli confessa che gli piace, nonostante sia sposata.
Da qui inizia una lunga storia d’amore, si può dire d’amore? Mah non direi, diciamo che lui all’inizio gli faceva da modello e lei non ci provava minimamente poi col passare del tempo i due divennero amanti. Lei così insoddisfatta della sua vita con suo marito, che però amava alla follia, voleva restare amante per sempre con il suo bello studente, il quale però vedeva di buon occhio anche le sue coetanee…giustamente.
Isogai generalmente non si fidava delle donne: cambiano continuamente idea, dicono cose che non pensano per cui non abbassava mai la guardia.
Farà bene il nostro personaggio a comportarsi così anche con la prof? Non vi svelo di più, perché è un libricino tanto piccino e carino che potete leggerlo voi stessi.
Ah, alla fine c’è anche un altra piccola storia intitolata “carie e gentilezza”.
August 23, 2026
‘even when we were talking, i couldn’t stop myself wondering if she was getting bored of me’ WAIT uninvolve me
June 23, 2026
It was interesting if I can say that 🤔
July 20, 2023
Ascoltato in audiolibro, con una narratrice per fortuna molto brava (anche se non ho amato che fosse una donna mentre l'io narrante era un maschio), è scorso via così velocemente che, finito l'ascolto, mi son detta: "Mah!". Cosa mi è rimasto? Il solito cliché insegnante-studente, con momenti di domande retoriche esistenziali intervallate da momenti di volgarità gratuita, permeato dell'atmosfera tipicamente giapponese ma che in fondo è solo fumo negli occhi...
Ho apprezzato molto di più il racconto allegato, a cui vanno la stellina e mezza del voto.
Ho apprezzato molto di più il racconto allegato, a cui vanno la stellina e mezza del voto.
July 27, 2022
Il tempo che ci ho messo a capirlo è stato direttamente proporzionale a quanto mi è piaciuto quando ci sono riuscita
September 11, 2026
A 72-page slice-of-life novel centred around the affair between Yuri, an almost 39-year-old college art teacher, and Isogai, a barely 19-year-old student. At its core, this is entirely a story about infidelity— something I personally dislike and don’t condone—and honestly, none of these characters really have their lives together.
Feelings slowly fade. They weaken, disappear, and eventually become nothing more than distant memories, but the emotional residue they leave behind never fully goes away. Like a stain on your favourite piece of clothing that survives every wash no matter how much detergent you use, some emotions remain embedded into you long after the moment itself has ended.
But overall, I wouldn’t say this book is any more or any less than what it already is. It never tries to become something bigger than itself. It’s simple, easy to read, and from the very first page you already know exactly where everything is heading. I wouldn’t necessarily call it good or bad either. There isn’t anything particularly impressive about it, but at the same time it doesn’t need to be.
More than anything, it feels like a palate cleanser—the kind of short book you pick up after heavier or longer reads just to reset your brain for a while. There isn’t much to unpack, but every now and then you stumble across a passage or emotion that catches you off guard and lingers with you for longer than expected.
It won the Bungei Prize back in 2003 and is considered somewhat of a classic, although personally I struggle to fully understand why. At the same time, part of me wonders how much emotional nuance or stylistic subtlety may have been lost in translation—elements that perhaps resonated far more deeply with Japanese readers than they did with me.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this to everyone.
But maybe that’s also the point of books like this.
They’re not necessarily meant to stay with you forever.
They’re simply something to live through for a brief moment before moving on.
Rating: 2.5 stars
Feelings slowly fade. They weaken, disappear, and eventually become nothing more than distant memories, but the emotional residue they leave behind never fully goes away. Like a stain on your favourite piece of clothing that survives every wash no matter how much detergent you use, some emotions remain embedded into you long after the moment itself has ended.
But overall, I wouldn’t say this book is any more or any less than what it already is. It never tries to become something bigger than itself. It’s simple, easy to read, and from the very first page you already know exactly where everything is heading. I wouldn’t necessarily call it good or bad either. There isn’t anything particularly impressive about it, but at the same time it doesn’t need to be.
More than anything, it feels like a palate cleanser—the kind of short book you pick up after heavier or longer reads just to reset your brain for a while. There isn’t much to unpack, but every now and then you stumble across a passage or emotion that catches you off guard and lingers with you for longer than expected.
It won the Bungei Prize back in 2003 and is considered somewhat of a classic, although personally I struggle to fully understand why. At the same time, part of me wonders how much emotional nuance or stylistic subtlety may have been lost in translation—elements that perhaps resonated far more deeply with Japanese readers than they did with me.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this to everyone.
But maybe that’s also the point of books like this.
They’re not necessarily meant to stay with you forever.
They’re simply something to live through for a brief moment before moving on.
Rating: 2.5 stars
September 29, 2026
Thank you to Zondo and NetGalley for the early copy for review.
I have really fallen in love with Japanese literature this year. Nao-Cola Yamazaki has written a spare, touching and realistic depiction of the quiet desperation and awkwardness of first love. I especially found myself connecting to the main character when Yuri made her decision at the end of the book; I have been in his shoes. Those feelings are deeply human, deeply universal. I think many readers will see themselves echoed in his words.
I have really fallen in love with Japanese literature this year. Nao-Cola Yamazaki has written a spare, touching and realistic depiction of the quiet desperation and awkwardness of first love. I especially found myself connecting to the main character when Yuri made her decision at the end of the book; I have been in his shoes. Those feelings are deeply human, deeply universal. I think many readers will see themselves echoed in his words.
Review of advance copy
Stunning, peak romanticism, tender, hilarious, unforgettable ♥️♥️♥️
June 3, 2026
what was there to laugh about? the affair with a married woman that left him heartbroken???
September 10, 2023
Mi ero ripromessa di scrivere almeno due righe riassuntive di pensieri e riflessioni ogni qual volta finissi un libro per non perderne traccia nei meandri della mia mente. In questo caso però ho davvero poco da dire. È stata una lettura indubbiamente piacevole, rubata sulle corse mattutine del tram, durata molto poco e che mi ha lasciata per lo più indifferente. Ho trovato affascinante approcciarmi ad una modalità di scrittura differente da quella occidentale e pur non potendo estendere il discorso al resto della letteratura giapponese (visto che è la prima volta che mi capita di leggerne), posso sicuramente affermare che almeno la scrittura di Nao-Cola sia semplice, essenziale e lontana (da me e da tutto ciò che ultimamente ho letto). Anche il libro nel complesso è semplice e scorrevole, la non-storia breve e lineare. Non c’è stato da parte mia alcun tipo di trasporto emotivo (nonostante qualche riflessione qua e là abbia suscitato qualche sporadica reazione) nei confronti del racconto, dei suoi protagonisti o del modo stesso di raccontarlo. Ma forse in fin dei conti non è poi così importante. Decisamente più interessante (o forse semplicemente più vicina) è stata la lettura del brevissimo racconto finale “Carie e gentilezza”, altrettanto semplice, ma straboccante di tenerezza e delicatezza.
May 5, 2026
This novella filled an hour and was more than just a time-killer. Although not initiating profound thought, it was a gentle look at first love, emotional naivety and the acceptance of loneliness. The translation did justice to the precision and simplicity of many Japanese authors and made this book an effortless read. Prob 3.5 rather than 4, but 3 seemed harsh !
August 2, 2022
La quinta essenza del romanzo giapponese, non succede niente, quel poco che accade é particolarmente ininfluente ai fini di una storia in cui le premesse contengono anche il finale, ma nonostante questo vince premi e vende tanti libri, compreso a me.
April 15, 2026
Mini little love story, really enjoyable read. Made me laugh out loud at the honest descriptions of the couple’s relationship and thoughts about each other. Hilariously honest commentary, specifically regarding first loves.
June 19, 2026
3.5 stars
s strange little book. I bought this at daunt books in London and finished it on the flight to Amsterdam. the synopsis sounded beautiful, right up my alley, but the execution? not my favorite.
based on the synopsis alone, I was expecting a story filled with loneliness and what it's like to finally discover yourself in your 20s. I wanted more of the narrator's struggles and inner/emotional turmoils. what this book turned out to be instead was a novel about his fleeting affair with an older woman. we frankly learn more about yuri than we do the narrator himself.
it wasn't bad - I just think my expectations were too high. the book felt a little plain; there were so many complex emotions that I thought could've been expanded so much more. for example, Yuri is literally married??? she's committing adultery??? I thought that that part was fascinating, but we barely even touch on the fact that she's literally cheating on her long-time husband. and like I said earlier, we know next to nothing about the narrator and his life, so I couldn't really see his inner struggles laid out on the page.
it's a cute, short story, only 70 pages, but all it did was leave me wanting more. I don't think it did everything it needed to do. that's all. I still liked it. I also didn't think the title was relevant at all???? LOL. who's laughing at other people's sex lives in this book????? I don't think the reader is either because we barely even talk about sex and the meaning of it in this book. I don't get it. ok bye!!!!!
s strange little book. I bought this at daunt books in London and finished it on the flight to Amsterdam. the synopsis sounded beautiful, right up my alley, but the execution? not my favorite.
based on the synopsis alone, I was expecting a story filled with loneliness and what it's like to finally discover yourself in your 20s. I wanted more of the narrator's struggles and inner/emotional turmoils. what this book turned out to be instead was a novel about his fleeting affair with an older woman. we frankly learn more about yuri than we do the narrator himself.
it wasn't bad - I just think my expectations were too high. the book felt a little plain; there were so many complex emotions that I thought could've been expanded so much more. for example, Yuri is literally married??? she's committing adultery??? I thought that that part was fascinating, but we barely even touch on the fact that she's literally cheating on her long-time husband. and like I said earlier, we know next to nothing about the narrator and his life, so I couldn't really see his inner struggles laid out on the page.
it's a cute, short story, only 70 pages, but all it did was leave me wanting more. I don't think it did everything it needed to do. that's all. I still liked it. I also didn't think the title was relevant at all???? LOL. who's laughing at other people's sex lives in this book????? I don't think the reader is either because we barely even talk about sex and the meaning of it in this book. I don't get it. ok bye!!!!!
March 23, 2026
| ARC REVIEW |
"Don't Laugh at Other People's Sex Lives" by Nao-Cola Yamazaki is a quiet, introspective read that leans more toward psychological exploration than romance.
Through Isogai’s deeply subjective and often unreliable perspective, the story examines insecurity, desire, and the confusion of early adulthood. The dynamic between him and his older tutor feels intentionally ambiguous, making it difficult to fully grasp the truth of their relationship.
While the minimal plot and emotionally distant tone may not resonate with everyone, the novel offers an interesting, if sometimes uncomfortable, look into a flawed and self-questioning mind.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for gifting me a copy of the ebook in exchange of an honest review.
"Don't Laugh at Other People's Sex Lives" by Nao-Cola Yamazaki is a quiet, introspective read that leans more toward psychological exploration than romance.
Through Isogai’s deeply subjective and often unreliable perspective, the story examines insecurity, desire, and the confusion of early adulthood. The dynamic between him and his older tutor feels intentionally ambiguous, making it difficult to fully grasp the truth of their relationship.
While the minimal plot and emotionally distant tone may not resonate with everyone, the novel offers an interesting, if sometimes uncomfortable, look into a flawed and self-questioning mind.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for gifting me a copy of the ebook in exchange of an honest review.
May 30, 2026
2.75⭐️
Not a book I’d recommend tenfold, to be honest. It’s a quiet short read that’s more introspective than it is anything else really. I would say it’s a mundane recount of a typical situation-ship nowadays but I guess it had some points to make you think. Hard to connect with characters in less than 80 pages though regretfully, I could relate to Isogai’s loneliness.
“But was there any point of living if your heart wasn’t on fire”
Not a book I’d recommend tenfold, to be honest. It’s a quiet short read that’s more introspective than it is anything else really. I would say it’s a mundane recount of a typical situation-ship nowadays but I guess it had some points to make you think. Hard to connect with characters in less than 80 pages though regretfully, I could relate to Isogai’s loneliness.
“But was there any point of living if your heart wasn’t on fire”
September 30, 2026
There was nothing particularly inventive about this age-gap romance, but its cultural treatment of the subject was fascinating. There’s a sort of muted transgression here that, glimpsed only briefly, is somehow more effective for its loneliness. Its brevity sharpens the story down to its essential parts, and the translation is engaging. Overall, a fine way to spend an hour.
April 26, 2026
Sometimes you need to read contemporary Japanese fiction where not much happens but a lot can be felt. This author prides themselves on writing “things no one else can say in words anyone can understand” and I very much enjoyed it.
September 30, 2026
this little slice of life novella follows a man and woman’s intimate relationship and it felt extremely bare and mundane in way that almost heightened the connection for me but ultimately i didn’t feel moved by their relationship. overall was a nice listen for an afternoon/evening.
July 31, 2026
Deceptively profound. A short book about ordinary lives and big feelings of love and heartbreak.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews