After a Beautiful, Yandere Onee-San Moved in Next Door, My Life Changed Drastically~ (Please Save Me…)

My Thoughts on After a Beautiful, Yandere Onee-San Moved in Next Door, My Life Changed Drastically~ (Please Save Me…)

Okay, that title is a mouthful, right? I dove into this novel with a healthy dose of curiosity and, admittedly, a bit of trepidation. The yandere trope can be a tricky one to pull off, and the "Please Save Me…" part definitely set off some alarm bells. So, how did it fare? Let's break it down.

First Impressions

The premise is straightforward: a seemingly perfect older woman moves in next door, and our protagonist's life takes a sharp, decidedly dark turn. Initially, I was intrigued by the setup. The potential for psychological tension and the exploration of obsession were definitely there. I was hoping for a slow burn, a gradual descent into madness, but...

What Works Well

Honestly, finding aspects that truly "worked" was a challenge. I will say the author commits to the yandere character. There's no shying away from the obsessive and controlling aspects of her personality, which, for some readers, might be exactly what they're looking for. The slice-of-life elements, when they occasionally surface, offer a brief respite from the intensity and give you a glimpse into what a normal life could be for the protagonist.

Areas of Concern

This is where things get complicated. My biggest issue lies with the portrayal of the yandere's actions. While a certain level of possessiveness is inherent to the trope, the story veers into territory that I found deeply unsettling. There are instances of physical abuse that, in my opinion, cross the line from "dark romance" into genuinely disturbing. I struggled to reconcile these actions with any sense of a developing, albeit twisted, relationship. The lack of agency given to the protagonist also left me feeling uneasy.

Final Verdict

"After a Beautiful, Yandere Onee-San Moved in Next Door, My Life Changed Drastically~ (Please Save Me…)" is a novel that will likely divide readers. If you're looking for a story that pushes boundaries and doesn't shy away from dark themes, this might be up your alley. However, be warned: the depiction of abuse and lack of consent might be triggering or simply off-putting for many. For me, the problematic elements overshadowed any potential enjoyment, leading to a less-than-satisfying reading experience.