What do you think?
Rate this book
四月は君の嘘 [Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso] #Six-Person Etude
Your Lie in April: A Six-Person Etude
Spinoff of the hit manga series featuring side stories with the leading characters.
The YOUR LIE IN APRIL novel completes the YOUR LIE franchise by revealing the lives of the cast from perspectives that are rarely seen in the comic or anime series. The Sextet's Etude looks at each of the six characters' lives individually from the view point of one of their classmates providing an intimate look similar to what a fan would experience. A must read for fans of this beloved series.
Kosei Arima was a piano prodigy until his cruel taskmaster of a mother died suddenly, changing his life forever. Driven by his pain to abandon piano, Kosei now lives in a monotonous, colourless world. Having resigned himself to a bland life, he is surprised when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a violinist with an unorthodox style. Can she bring Kosei back to music, and back to life?
The YOUR LIE IN APRIL novel completes the YOUR LIE franchise by revealing the lives of the cast from perspectives that are rarely seen in the comic or anime series. The Sextet's Etude looks at each of the six characters' lives individually from the view point of one of their classmates providing an intimate look similar to what a fan would experience. A must read for fans of this beloved series.
Kosei Arima was a piano prodigy until his cruel taskmaster of a mother died suddenly, changing his life forever. Driven by his pain to abandon piano, Kosei now lives in a monotonous, colourless world. Having resigned himself to a bland life, he is surprised when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a violinist with an unorthodox style. Can she bring Kosei back to music, and back to life?
200 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2017
21 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 10, 2025
The painful lie ever!
Well, I don't know from where should I start my review about this masterpiece, but I got to tell you something guys, it's painful. It's a mix between sweetness, madness and sadness too. It's like coffee without sugar!
But you know what?
You can't dislike it although of bitterness pain that it cause..
I tried to read it first, but I couldn't, so I watched the Anime which is usual thing that a lot of people rewatch this over and over again without boring in every April. Although they know that there is a lie in it.
Actually I also have a lie that I lied in April, 2022, but it turned my whole life and had became a truth.. it was that I can be a great writer who writes on her keyboard like Arima Kosei the pianist who plays on his piano. Oh yeah I can be awesome too.. I'm still working on it, but I believe that I'll get better.
Isn't it incredible?
I had a feeling that Kosei and I have a lot in common, then it cleared up that it was right.
He faced a hard time after his mother's death and couldn't play piano for two years because he couldn't hear the notes that he plays on piano.
I also take a medicine course in the last year of college that forced me to get away from writing and focus on my studying and my health who will make me pass through this tough period till I could succeed peacefully.
They're honest when they said
“No pain, No gain”
The main idea of this novel is about Arima Kosei, a teenager boy has such a great talent in playing piano with a beautiful hands can travel us to a magical places by melodies he plays. like doctor who sews and heal our wounds perfectly.
This young guy had been through hard years after the death of this mother who taught him how to play piano until he become the greatest pianist in Japan in a young age, but after that he couldn't hear what he play. He was drowning in water when he tried to play, but when Kaori, an angle fall off the sky came up to his life. She kicked the ass of his sadness and let him see and hear the music in different sight.
The narrating and description were amazing and based on flashback technique and that's what I like.
There were two conflicts: internal and that's was about Kosei's feelings about his mom, friends, Kaori and piano, and external conflict in what will happen when he plays again in front of a big crowd.
The dialogues were perfect and the characters were stunning and persuaded. I liked them all. I loved the cuteness of Kaori when she sees cats, the determination of Ryota to be a soccer superstar, the kindness of Tsubaki to Arima and how she loves him, and Kosei the one that I see me in everything he do with his playing, he in piano and I'm in writing.
The theme was light and nostalgic. I felt like I'm dancing in pain, but enjoying. Just like I'm going to watch the dark sky lighten with its moon and stars to tell me that there is a light in darkness, so the important is to see the bright side in every problem.
I haven't read an English writing novel since years, so the comeback was absolutely awesome
Quotes that I liked:
"But even though you look like you’re weak, deep down you’re strong. Always holding onto your beliefs, no matter what. Maybe you don’t realize it yourself, but really, you are strong. I believe you are."
“If you want to be great, you have to believe in yourself.”
“Life is wonderful, isn’t it? So much to enjoy.”
‘A good neighbor is better than a faraway relative.’
"We need dreams that are prettier than reality in order to live"
"there are some things that you can’t let go of unless you cry and shout them out"
It was very challenging to write a musical novel, but the hardest it was made greatest from the authors.
Your piano feels so good.
That’s why I wanna play for all I’m worth, of course.
You’re really amazing.
I’m so glad I could perform with you.
Laying my sound over your piano makes me happy. It’s so fun. It quickens my pulse.
My heart’s pounding. It’s almost hard to breathe.
You’re amazing. Amazing, all right?
Well, I don't know from where should I start my review about this masterpiece, but I got to tell you something guys, it's painful. It's a mix between sweetness, madness and sadness too. It's like coffee without sugar!
But you know what?
You can't dislike it although of bitterness pain that it cause..
I tried to read it first, but I couldn't, so I watched the Anime which is usual thing that a lot of people rewatch this over and over again without boring in every April. Although they know that there is a lie in it.
Actually I also have a lie that I lied in April, 2022, but it turned my whole life and had became a truth.. it was that I can be a great writer who writes on her keyboard like Arima Kosei the pianist who plays on his piano. Oh yeah I can be awesome too.. I'm still working on it, but I believe that I'll get better.
Isn't it incredible?
I had a feeling that Kosei and I have a lot in common, then it cleared up that it was right.
He faced a hard time after his mother's death and couldn't play piano for two years because he couldn't hear the notes that he plays on piano.
I also take a medicine course in the last year of college that forced me to get away from writing and focus on my studying and my health who will make me pass through this tough period till I could succeed peacefully.
They're honest when they said
“No pain, No gain”
The main idea of this novel is about Arima Kosei, a teenager boy has such a great talent in playing piano with a beautiful hands can travel us to a magical places by melodies he plays. like doctor who sews and heal our wounds perfectly.
This young guy had been through hard years after the death of this mother who taught him how to play piano until he become the greatest pianist in Japan in a young age, but after that he couldn't hear what he play. He was drowning in water when he tried to play, but when Kaori, an angle fall off the sky came up to his life. She kicked the ass of his sadness and let him see and hear the music in different sight.
The narrating and description were amazing and based on flashback technique and that's what I like.
There were two conflicts: internal and that's was about Kosei's feelings about his mom, friends, Kaori and piano, and external conflict in what will happen when he plays again in front of a big crowd.
The dialogues were perfect and the characters were stunning and persuaded. I liked them all. I loved the cuteness of Kaori when she sees cats, the determination of Ryota to be a soccer superstar, the kindness of Tsubaki to Arima and how she loves him, and Kosei the one that I see me in everything he do with his playing, he in piano and I'm in writing.
The theme was light and nostalgic. I felt like I'm dancing in pain, but enjoying. Just like I'm going to watch the dark sky lighten with its moon and stars to tell me that there is a light in darkness, so the important is to see the bright side in every problem.
I haven't read an English writing novel since years, so the comeback was absolutely awesome
Quotes that I liked:
"But even though you look like you’re weak, deep down you’re strong. Always holding onto your beliefs, no matter what. Maybe you don’t realize it yourself, but really, you are strong. I believe you are."
“If you want to be great, you have to believe in yourself.”
“Life is wonderful, isn’t it? So much to enjoy.”
‘A good neighbor is better than a faraway relative.’
"We need dreams that are prettier than reality in order to live"
"there are some things that you can’t let go of unless you cry and shout them out"
It was very challenging to write a musical novel, but the hardest it was made greatest from the authors.
Your piano feels so good.
That’s why I wanna play for all I’m worth, of course.
You’re really amazing.
I’m so glad I could perform with you.
Laying my sound over your piano makes me happy. It’s so fun. It quickens my pulse.
My heart’s pounding. It’s almost hard to breathe.
You’re amazing. Amazing, all right?
January 28, 2018
A lump of steel, like a shooting star. Just seeing the same sky as you makes familiar scenery look different. I swing between hope and despair at your slightest gesture, and my heart starts to play a melody. What kind of feeling is this again? What do they call this kind of feeling? I think it's probably... Called Love. I'm sure this is what they call love.
- Kousei Arima
Okay, where to begin? To be honest, I don't have the slightest idea that this manga ever exist. I was Just mentioned to me last night by my friend who told me that it's one of the best manga he ever read so I asked him to tell me the story because I'm okay of being spoiled and I'm more interested when I knew the ending (I know I'm weird 😅).
So Kousei is a piano prodigy who stopped playing piano after his mother died. One day, his friend Tsubaki introduced Kaori to him as Ryuota (also their friend) as Ryuota's girlfriend. Then the story begins when Kaori asked Kousei to accompany her even if he doesn't play piano anymore. Their lives tangled way before they even reliazed it.
I have to agree with my friend. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST MANGA EVER! It will definitely crush your heart and cry your eyes out! 😭😭😭 It's not your typical highschool manga, I swear. Ughh. Brb, I have to watch the movie version 😭😭
PS. Manga have 44 chapters while the TV series have 22 episodes (yep, there's a tv series adaption too) PLUS THERE'S A FREAKING LIVE ACTION MOVIE 😍😭😭. Okay, that's it. I'm gonna watch now and cry my eyes out again.
- Kousei Arima
Okay, where to begin? To be honest, I don't have the slightest idea that this manga ever exist. I was Just mentioned to me last night by my friend who told me that it's one of the best manga he ever read so I asked him to tell me the story because I'm okay of being spoiled and I'm more interested when I knew the ending (I know I'm weird 😅).
So Kousei is a piano prodigy who stopped playing piano after his mother died. One day, his friend Tsubaki introduced Kaori to him as Ryuota (also their friend) as Ryuota's girlfriend. Then the story begins when Kaori asked Kousei to accompany her even if he doesn't play piano anymore. Their lives tangled way before they even reliazed it.
I have to agree with my friend. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST MANGA EVER! It will definitely crush your heart and cry your eyes out! 😭😭😭 It's not your typical highschool manga, I swear. Ughh. Brb, I have to watch the movie version 😭😭
PS. Manga have 44 chapters while the TV series have 22 episodes (yep, there's a tv series adaption too) PLUS THERE'S A FREAKING LIVE ACTION MOVIE 😍😭😭. Okay, that's it. I'm gonna watch now and cry my eyes out again.
September 27, 2022
This book contains short stories based on the manga series, Your Lie in April, providing more backstory and details about events that happened during the series.
There is a prologue written from Kaori's point of view about how the group of four friends shared an ice cream treat together after rehearsal.
The first two stories are from Takeshi's and Emi's perspective, about how they first heard Kosei play piano and how it inspired them to practice more.
One story is from Tsubaki's perspective, about the time that they found the lost kitten, Chelsea.
And the last story is from Watari's point of view, about one time that he went on a date with Kaori.
I was disappointed that the stories don't add anything new to the main story. There are just some details added that enhance the original series, but nothing really new.
The writing style drags on very slowly, making it a little boring compared to the original series. I was also disappointed that I couldn't tell much of a difference between the voices of the different characters. They all sounded a little bit the same, and the writing style felt awkward sometimes.
I love the Your Lie in April manga so much that I guess I had my hopes too high for this short story collection.
There is a prologue written from Kaori's point of view about how the group of four friends shared an ice cream treat together after rehearsal.
The first two stories are from Takeshi's and Emi's perspective, about how they first heard Kosei play piano and how it inspired them to practice more.
One story is from Tsubaki's perspective, about the time that they found the lost kitten, Chelsea.
And the last story is from Watari's point of view, about one time that he went on a date with Kaori.
I was disappointed that the stories don't add anything new to the main story. There are just some details added that enhance the original series, but nothing really new.
The writing style drags on very slowly, making it a little boring compared to the original series. I was also disappointed that I couldn't tell much of a difference between the voices of the different characters. They all sounded a little bit the same, and the writing style felt awkward sometimes.
I love the Your Lie in April manga so much that I guess I had my hopes too high for this short story collection.
May 10, 2022
I rate this 3.5 stars.
I was going to rate it 2 or 3 because I was getting annoyed that Emi and Takeshi's chapters kept spoon feeding every little detail about piano competitions. We know about them already, we read the manga series after all, which had quite a few music competitions. Another thing that annoyed me was that in those two's chapters they kept going back to when they were in elementary school, the reason I bought this book and wanted to read it in the first place is because I wanted to know what they could have been thinking during the two years that Kosei wasn't in competitions (we did get that a few pages near the end of Emi's chapter) and their reactions after Kosei comes back. I know we saw some of that in the manga but I want more, and I'm disappointed that this book completely missed the mark on what I was looking for. That's why it took me so long to read a 158 page book, it really shouldn't have taken me so long😅 I also don't understand why in this book Takeshi and Emi call Kosei by his first name when in the manga they have always called him Arima. That's definitely a mistake from this writer.
Anyways, the reason why I raised my rating is all because of Tsubaki's chapter. Her chapter is the only one worth reading and maybe kind of Ryota's. Yes we do learn more about Emi and Takeshi's pasts and how Kosei inspired them to play piano and to take it seriously. But because I wanted something else from their chapters, I was bored while reading them.
To me, Tsubaki's chapters was the best and most emotional chapter. I loved it. Her trying to help Kosei after his cat was gone and then after his mom died was so sweet. Their friendship there was so adorable😭😊
I also think that Kaori should have gotten more pages. She only got a few pages in the beginning (prologue) and a few at the end (epilogue).
I don't know if I can recommend this book. If you love the series and characters more than I do (I love the series, I rated the whole series 4 stars) then you might like it, there are some things we learn about some of the characters. Otherwise it's not necessary when it comes to reading the complete series.
Blog: nazishreads.net/TravelandBookBlog
Twitter: Naz_readsanime
Instagram: nazreads01, nazcosplay, nradesigns, charmedanimegirl01
I was going to rate it 2 or 3 because I was getting annoyed that Emi and Takeshi's chapters kept spoon feeding every little detail about piano competitions. We know about them already, we read the manga series after all, which had quite a few music competitions. Another thing that annoyed me was that in those two's chapters they kept going back to when they were in elementary school, the reason I bought this book and wanted to read it in the first place is because I wanted to know what they could have been thinking during the two years that Kosei wasn't in competitions (we did get that a few pages near the end of Emi's chapter) and their reactions after Kosei comes back. I know we saw some of that in the manga but I want more, and I'm disappointed that this book completely missed the mark on what I was looking for. That's why it took me so long to read a 158 page book, it really shouldn't have taken me so long😅 I also don't understand why in this book Takeshi and Emi call Kosei by his first name when in the manga they have always called him Arima. That's definitely a mistake from this writer.
Anyways, the reason why I raised my rating is all because of Tsubaki's chapter. Her chapter is the only one worth reading and maybe kind of Ryota's. Yes we do learn more about Emi and Takeshi's pasts and how Kosei inspired them to play piano and to take it seriously. But because I wanted something else from their chapters, I was bored while reading them.
To me, Tsubaki's chapters was the best and most emotional chapter. I loved it. Her trying to help Kosei after his cat was gone and then after his mom died was so sweet. Their friendship there was so adorable😭😊
I also think that Kaori should have gotten more pages. She only got a few pages in the beginning (prologue) and a few at the end (epilogue).
I don't know if I can recommend this book. If you love the series and characters more than I do (I love the series, I rated the whole series 4 stars) then you might like it, there are some things we learn about some of the characters. Otherwise it's not necessary when it comes to reading the complete series.
Blog: nazishreads.net/TravelandBookBlog
Twitter: Naz_readsanime
Instagram: nazreads01, nazcosplay, nradesigns, charmedanimegirl01
May 17, 2018
I so desperately wants to give this more stars but I just can't.
Your lie in April six person interlude is a great way of fleshing out the world of YLIA by reading about scene's out of the manga/anime through the eyes of a side character just brings another layer of depth to the stories making it feel more real/believable. A little downside to that is that you HAVE to read the manga or watch the anime first without that information as back-up the story will feel very random and without any purpose.
The stories that are told are all written in a beautiful way, No feelings or thought are left behind and they all have a nice moment of character development in them.
So Why the three star rating? Simple the way they portray the music is ruining it! I totally understood that it is difficult to write down instrumental music but just writing down random sounds does NOT work! In a story revolving around music it brings the reader out of the book every time a character decides to play some music (spoiler that happens a lot...)
So yeah If you are a fan of the series give it a chance just read over all the random sounds and you will love it. If you can't ignore it don't read it. You will ruin the whole series otherwise.
Your lie in April six person interlude is a great way of fleshing out the world of YLIA by reading about scene's out of the manga/anime through the eyes of a side character just brings another layer of depth to the stories making it feel more real/believable. A little downside to that is that you HAVE to read the manga or watch the anime first without that information as back-up the story will feel very random and without any purpose.
The stories that are told are all written in a beautiful way, No feelings or thought are left behind and they all have a nice moment of character development in them.
So Why the three star rating? Simple the way they portray the music is ruining it! I totally understood that it is difficult to write down instrumental music but just writing down random sounds does NOT work! In a story revolving around music it brings the reader out of the book every time a character decides to play some music (spoiler that happens a lot...)
So yeah If you are a fan of the series give it a chance just read over all the random sounds and you will love it. If you can't ignore it don't read it. You will ruin the whole series otherwise.
January 8, 2018
This is the first manga I have read, so I will be the first to admit that I am probably not the best judge for this book (no good comparison). I felt the book jumped around and added too many unnecessary parts and YES, I read it from right to left. The story did pull me in immediately with the tragic death of Kosei’s parents and the resulting monotone view of his life. However, it seemed to jump around too much – in the café buying food to playing with a cat to school being let out for no reason to riding their bikes away in the distance. I just couldn’t follow the side stories and didn’t understand why some aspects were even included (ex: not being able to buy food in their school uniform, WHAT?!?). It may be because I am an adult and a YA librarian, but I did appreciate the notes on Beethoven, Mozart, and music in general. I hope the teens do as well.
May 12, 2021
This short book is both amazing and terrible.
It really gives you a chance to learn more about the characters, to see where they were coming from, their motivations, how they grew... but if you didn't already know something about them from the manga or the anime you'd be hard pressed to have ANY clue as to why it mattered.
It is a rehash of the anime/manga by any means, but events are referenced, but at least you get a different perspective. However, being so strongly tied to music, there were times when attempting to describe it that just didn't work. Mind you I have NO idea how I'd do it, so perhaps their way is best, but it still just left me uprooted from the page and the narrative.
If you love the characters from the series, you aren't likely to be disappointed with the overall effect, but it has a hard time standing on its own.
It really gives you a chance to learn more about the characters, to see where they were coming from, their motivations, how they grew... but if you didn't already know something about them from the manga or the anime you'd be hard pressed to have ANY clue as to why it mattered.
It is a rehash of the anime/manga by any means, but events are referenced, but at least you get a different perspective. However, being so strongly tied to music, there were times when attempting to describe it that just didn't work. Mind you I have NO idea how I'd do it, so perhaps their way is best, but it still just left me uprooted from the page and the narrative.
If you love the characters from the series, you aren't likely to be disappointed with the overall effect, but it has a hard time standing on its own.
September 9, 2017
A really good read. Good side story for other characters perspective. Even though some of them I already know since I watch the OVA, its still good to get to know what their are thinking. I saw a new version of Tsubaki, which it convince me more to ship her with Arima instead of Kaori. She been with him since young, helping him to get through, staying by his side but she knows it never enough since she doesn't know about classical music but she know who is the real Arima is. I truly recommend reading this if you want to know more about the series.
October 29, 2023
This novelization of the well-known manga and anime Your Lie in April helps you learn more about its side characters. Personally, as a big fan of the anime, I loved it. I'll welcome any work exploring the story more in depth.
The only part of this book that didn't at all resonate with me was the way the author chose to express the music - with words such as "da da da".
Overall I'd really recommend the book to all Your Lie in April fans.
The only part of this book that didn't at all resonate with me was the way the author chose to express the music - with words such as "da da da".
Overall I'd really recommend the book to all Your Lie in April fans.
March 18, 2023
-This is not a story in its own right but a collection of short stories from the side characters point of view that compliments the main series. I don't think you'd enjoy it much if you didn't know the main series.
I really enjoyed most of the short stories and felt it really added to the main story. They where well written and despite the short length still managed to have some impact.
I really enjoyed most of the short stories and felt it really added to the main story. They where well written and despite the short length still managed to have some impact.
October 4, 2018
A fantastic novel for very readers that enjoy reading an exciting and fabulous classical music type of novel, so everyone that enjoys reading music novels.
November 5, 2022
It was enjoyable overall but compared to the manga, this is definitely underwhelming but the combo of the two makes it perfect
March 3, 2024
A great book that got me out of my reading slump. Everyone is relatable somehow.
June 17, 2024
I probably made a mistake because I read this before watching the anime or reading the manga. This reads like a companion to the full story giving an insight into the characters around Kosei Arima. Since I don’t know the full story yet, I can’t comment on its accuracy but I will mention my thoughts on this book.
This book sheds light on many things but I felt there was a deeper meaning behind it and I couldn’t put my finger on it. Kosei is a perfect piano player, a prodigy due to his circumstances. Whether or not he wanted that isn’t clear from this light novel. However, I did have many questions:
Were the other kids and adults wrong when they heard rumors and negative statements about Kosei, but did nothing to try and stop them?
Was the character who wanted to compete for the loudest applause of recognition while playing the same music piece as Kosei wrong, because they were indirectly fueling those rumors?
Was it acceptable that although Kosei was their rival, they didn’t try to get to know him and his music, and instead focused on their “interpretation”?
Was the character who secretly followed Kosei home and learned how he practiced not wrong?
If Emi and Takeshi thought of Kosei as their rival, why couldn’t they all be friends?
Why does being a talented piano player mean you have to forsake everything?
Reading this book, I had nothing but sympathy for Kosei. He was lonely and his life wasn’t fully his own. His perfect piano playing was the fruit of countless hours practicing under the tutelage of his mother. When his mother died, he lost himself while his father was primarily absent on business trips. There was no one to help him and no one he could readily rely on to share his feelings. I felt sad. I cried. I still do because he was really young and he didn’t deserve all that he heard or experienced at that young age.
I didn’t like Emi and Takeshi while reading. I couldn’t justify their rivalry. I’m a musician myself but I’ve never heard, witnessed or experienced anything like what they did. Music rivalry should allow people to grow but Emi’s felt more like hatred while Takeshi’s felt like an obsession for Kosei. Maybe their music was getting better but as individuals, I felt they were failing.
I loved Tsubaki’s character and her family. She was Kosei’s neighbor and friend but she was there for him. The chapter dedicated to her was meaningful and heartfelt. Ryota and Kaori’s chapters were alright but I didn’t think they added anything for me to take away.
The references to music pieces, the melody and the music terminology were great additions but lacked execution. I think it needed to be welded into the story such that it felt natural because many times it felt awkward. Also given this is a spin-off, it depicts the characters from a young age and most likely their reasoning for their interactions with Kosei or Kaori. However it’s lacking and many times overshadowed by the contests and music.
Overall, this book made me feel many emotions and yes, I did still cry while reading it. It has a lot of thoughtful topics in it and I’m left with many questions. However I’m not sure if I’m ready to cry while watching the anime or reading the manga. I’ll probably hold off on those a bit.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
This book sheds light on many things but I felt there was a deeper meaning behind it and I couldn’t put my finger on it. Kosei is a perfect piano player, a prodigy due to his circumstances. Whether or not he wanted that isn’t clear from this light novel. However, I did have many questions:
Were the other kids and adults wrong when they heard rumors and negative statements about Kosei, but did nothing to try and stop them?
Was the character who wanted to compete for the loudest applause of recognition while playing the same music piece as Kosei wrong, because they were indirectly fueling those rumors?
Was it acceptable that although Kosei was their rival, they didn’t try to get to know him and his music, and instead focused on their “interpretation”?
Was the character who secretly followed Kosei home and learned how he practiced not wrong?
If Emi and Takeshi thought of Kosei as their rival, why couldn’t they all be friends?
Why does being a talented piano player mean you have to forsake everything?
Reading this book, I had nothing but sympathy for Kosei. He was lonely and his life wasn’t fully his own. His perfect piano playing was the fruit of countless hours practicing under the tutelage of his mother. When his mother died, he lost himself while his father was primarily absent on business trips. There was no one to help him and no one he could readily rely on to share his feelings. I felt sad. I cried. I still do because he was really young and he didn’t deserve all that he heard or experienced at that young age.
I didn’t like Emi and Takeshi while reading. I couldn’t justify their rivalry. I’m a musician myself but I’ve never heard, witnessed or experienced anything like what they did. Music rivalry should allow people to grow but Emi’s felt more like hatred while Takeshi’s felt like an obsession for Kosei. Maybe their music was getting better but as individuals, I felt they were failing.
I loved Tsubaki’s character and her family. She was Kosei’s neighbor and friend but she was there for him. The chapter dedicated to her was meaningful and heartfelt. Ryota and Kaori’s chapters were alright but I didn’t think they added anything for me to take away.
The references to music pieces, the melody and the music terminology were great additions but lacked execution. I think it needed to be welded into the story such that it felt natural because many times it felt awkward. Also given this is a spin-off, it depicts the characters from a young age and most likely their reasoning for their interactions with Kosei or Kaori. However it’s lacking and many times overshadowed by the contests and music.
Overall, this book made me feel many emotions and yes, I did still cry while reading it. It has a lot of thoughtful topics in it and I’m left with many questions. However I’m not sure if I’m ready to cry while watching the anime or reading the manga. I’ll probably hold off on those a bit.
Read more reviews @ Mystic's Review Shelf
August 1, 2017
The problems with this book:
1) If you aren't familiar with the source material, you won't understand the point of any of these stories.
2) If you are familiar with the source material, these stories add nothing.
3) There are pages where half the text consists of "do re mi fa so la ti do" to represent music. Portraying music in prose is hard, but this is not how you do it.
4) Either the author or translator fails to understand that flashbacks need to be written in past tense even when the story is primarily told in present.
5) Apart from a couple color inserts at the beginning, the illustrations in the book are just reproductions of manga pages. Can you get any cheaper? (And while we're at it, look at the cover and explain to me what's going on with Emi's legs.)
1) If you aren't familiar with the source material, you won't understand the point of any of these stories.
2) If you are familiar with the source material, these stories add nothing.
3) There are pages where half the text consists of "do re mi fa so la ti do" to represent music. Portraying music in prose is hard, but this is not how you do it.
4) Either the author or translator fails to understand that flashbacks need to be written in past tense even when the story is primarily told in present.
5) Apart from a couple color inserts at the beginning, the illustrations in the book are just reproductions of manga pages. Can you get any cheaper? (And while we're at it, look at the cover and explain to me what's going on with Emi's legs.)
October 3, 2017
These series of short stories told by the main characters does add to the overall story of Your Lie In April, however they lack the impact and poignancy of the original manga and anime adaptation.
Read
April 2, 2018in this book, there is a kid how is and still is a piano player because the girl which I can't recall her name but she a violin and when they play together they are so good. he was abused by his mother when practicing the pian but he is very sick and she cants play so he has been playing because every time he does he think his mother get better and he called the human metronome not as a good thing. he was always thought of as a robot. he could hear the piano and every time he plays it hit him it is very sad but so happy oh and that girl I was talking to her also very sick and she dies.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews