⚠️this is all pretty much spoilers so read with caution⚠️

my main critique of this book was that it often felt repetitive with barley anything to add onto what has already been established in the first 100 pages. but if you like this kind of continuous short story style then it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

my interpretation of tomie was the depiction of femicide, especially, male violence towards women, misogyny, and commentary on the patriarchy. through their obsession men will find any reason to take out their anger on women (she’s too beautiful, i want her to myself, i can’t have her, etc). and it’s really upsetting because tomie #0 was just a kid who wanted to be loved, but became a horrific victim to that by the hands of a man instead. and no one stood up for her.through her regenerations, she’ll continue to perpetuate the same manipulative, abusive cycle. 

and honestly, i found it refreshing that she was selfish, toxic, unapologetic, and verbally aggressive. i feel like some media try to portray the “perfect victim” where they’re timid, quiet, ashamed of themselves, and always wallow in their own misery. but no matter what they do, they’re gonna get blamed regardless. it’s inevitable. but no matter how many times she’s killed off, she survives. because there will always be victims, yet society is set on silencing them—in this case tomie. she was let down by a teacher, someone meant to guide and protect her. and note how diverse her killers are, confirming that anyone has the ability to be her next abuser.

also i find the ending a bit bittersweet. think about how some men will only reduce women down to their body as a tool for gratification rather than as a living being. in the last chapter she essentially fades into nothing, freeing her of the shackle of her body and men’s entitlement towards it.