Secret Novel Review
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By konohara narise, 木原音瀬
3 chapters
2013
Description
On a midsummer night, Utsumi Keita, who was wandering the midnight streets looking for a place to sleep, met a man named Sugiura Mitsuru and stayed at his place on the condition of having s*x. Keita didn’t actually want to sleep with a man, but he didn’t want to return to his own apartment either. He didn’t want to be alone in his room with the large freezer humming and haunting his dreams. For Keita, who was plagued by nightmares, Sugiura was a convenient partner. However, Keita’s heart begins to waver with Sugiura’s sincere feelings.
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Publication Information
- Original Publisher
- kodansha
- Original Language
- japanese
- Type
- Light Novel
Secret Review & Spoilers - Novel Translator
My Thoughts on Secret
"Secret" is a novel that definitely left an impression. Diving into the complex themes of love, trauma, and disability, it's a story that pulls no punches. While it's not a light read, it offers a raw and, at times, heartbreaking exploration of its characters.
First Impressions
Going in, I knew this wasn't going to be a fluffy romance. The tags alone – "abusive characters," "mind break," and "emotionally weak protagonist" – signaled a story with depth and potential triggers. The initial chapters immediately grabbed my attention, throwing me headfirst into the characters' struggles. The writing style is immersive, making it easy to empathize with Keita and Mitsuru.
What Works Well
The character development is a major strength. I found myself deeply invested in Mitsuru's journey, rooting for him to find happiness after experiencing immense pain. His devotion to Keita is touching, and his character felt incredibly real. The exploration of disability and ableism is also handled with sensitivity, offering a refreshing departure from typical BL tropes. It's clear the author put a lot of thought into portraying these issues realistically, adding significant substance to the narrative. The novel explores how love can be a foundation for someone who hasn't had that before.
Areas of Concern
While I appreciated the story's intensity, I can understand why some readers might struggle with certain aspects. The ending felt a little rushed, leaving me wanting more closure, especially for Keita. I wished for a deeper dive into what happened after the big reveal. Also, the heavy themes might be too much for some readers, so it's important to approach this novel with caution.
Click "Reveal" to show spoiler content
Final Verdict
"Secret" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores complex themes with raw honesty. While the heavy content and potentially triggering scenes won't be for everyone, the well-developed characters and realistic portrayal of disability make it a worthwhile read for those seeking a story with depth and emotional impact. I'd recommend going in with an open mind and being prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions.
