Reviews

Takekurabe 'Growing Up by Natsu Higuchi, Ichiyō Higuchi

jamestomasino's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Wow! This was wonderful. The characters are so sharp and real in such a short work, and their character feels as modern as any today. I'm utterly fascinated by the setting and the childish gangs. That alone would be enough but then we have Midori and a powerful glimpse into that tragic step beyond childhood which we all must suffer. This work is truly a timeless gem.

phantomemx's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

tseren's review

Go to review page

challenging dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

hades9stages's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

quite boring but not awful. i love midori i wish he could’ve done more

natasha29singh's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Short but extremely interesting, particularly with context. The description of life in a red-light quarter through brief vignettes of the squabbles of children is strangely touching, and mere allusions to the nature of the flesh trade set the right tone for the novel (sort of respecting? recognizing? or just taking into the account the innocence of children.) The ending is very poignant – society is split so sharply along class and occupational lines, and only children can overcome that, only for those bonds to crumble later. The translation was a bit literal, but it's an important book for those delving deep into Japanese literature.

k_m's review

Go to review page

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes

4.5

ellenlovre's review

Go to review page

funny lighthearted sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

marco_livresque's review

Go to review page

inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

raiimundo97's review

Go to review page

lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

katieb94's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This short story about coming of age in Japan was a really lovely read. All the characters had their own personalities and characters that it was genuinely hard to believe that they weren’t real people. 

I really enjoyed it, and although there are cultural references it didn’t feel out of place. 

4/5 stars.

I wish there’d been a sequel because I’d love to know where our characters lives go- especially Nobu who became a priest! I wonder how his life will change.