My Perfect Childhood Friend
By 美濃由乃
2021
Description
High school student Itaru Sagara has a perfect childhood friend—Reika Atarashi. Beautiful, talented, and flawless at everything she does, she never brags and is admired by everyone as a truly perfect girl with a pure personality. To someone as average as Itaru, she’s an overwhelmingly outstanding friend, and her presence was something he took pride in. —That’s a lie. Having always been compared to the exceptional Reika who was constantly by his side, Itaru wanted nothing more than to get away from her. Being with Reika made him feel miserable, as if his very reason for existing was slipping away. It was during such a time that he met another girl—at a cram school where Reika wasn’t present…
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- syosetu
- Original Language
- japanese
- Type
- Web Novel
My Perfect Childhood Friend Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on My Perfect Childhood Friend
First Impressions
My Perfect Childhood Friend immediately grabbed my attention with its seemingly innocent title, which sharply contrasts the dark themes lurking beneath the surface. The tags alone – drama, horror, yandere – hinted at a story far more complex and unsettling than your average school-life narrative. I dove in expecting emotional turmoil, and I wasn't disappointed.
What Works Well
The core strength of this story lies in its raw portrayal of the protagonist's despair. We witness a character slowly eroded by constant comparison to his seemingly perfect childhood friend. The author masterfully crafts a sense of helplessness as the MC struggles to assert himself, constantly overshadowed and unheard. This internal conflict is palpable; I could feel the weight of his isolation and the crushing pressure to conform to an impossible ideal. The narrative really shines in depicting the protagonist's gradual descent into hopelessness. The author does an excellent job of making you sympathize with him, even when he makes questionable decisions.
Areas of Concern
While the tragic nature of the story is compelling, I found myself wishing for a glimmer of hope that ultimately never materialized. The relentless negativity, while perhaps realistic, can be emotionally draining for some readers. Additionally, the protagonist's timidity, while understandable given the circumstances, can be frustrating at times. I longed for him to find some inner strength and push back against the manipulative forces at play.
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Final Verdict
My Perfect Childhood Friend is a well-executed exploration of envy, manipulation, and the crushing weight of expectations. While the lack of a happy ending might deter some, the story's raw emotional impact and unflinching portrayal of its protagonist's suffering are undeniably powerful. If you're prepared for a dark and emotionally challenging read, this story is definitely worth your time. Just be sure to brace yourself for a potentially heartbreaking experience.
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