Soen ni Natte Ita Osananajimi to Seki ga Zengo ni Natta Novel Review

My Thoughts on Soen ni Natte Ita Osananajimi to Seki ga Zengo ni Natta

"Soen ni Natte Ita Osananajimi to Seki ga Zengo ni Natta," which roughly translates to "My Childhood Friend, Who I Had Become Distant From, Ended Up Sitting Next to Me," is a story I've been following with a mix of fascination and frustration. The premise itself is intriguing: two childhood friends, once close, now estranged, are suddenly thrust back into proximity due to seating arrangements. Does proximity breed reconciliation, or will old wounds fester? That's the question that kept me reading.

First Impressions

Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a cute, slice-of-life romance with a touch of drama. The idea of exploring the complexities of childhood friendships and how they evolve (or devolve) over time is something I find compelling. The "average-looking protagonist" tag also piqued my interest; I'm always on the lookout for relatable characters.

What Works Well

The author does a decent job of portraying the awkwardness and misunderstandings that can arise between people who have a shared history but are no longer on the same page. The "multiple POV" tag is accurate; we get glimpses into the thoughts and feelings of both the male and female leads, which helps to understand their perspectives, even when they clash. There's a certain charm to the story, especially in the earlier chapters, as we see the initial attempts at reconciliation.

Areas of Concern

However, I also found some aspects of the story quite frustrating. The female lead's actions and motivations, in particular, left me scratching my head. There were times when I felt her behavior was rather childish and insensitive, and it made it difficult for me to fully root for her. I can see why some readers might find her unlikable. I also felt that the male protagonist could have had more backbone. It's a common trope in Japanese romance stories for the male lead to lack self-respect, and I think it would have been a much better story if he had stood up for himself more.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Soen ni Natte Ita Osananajimi to Seki ga Zengo ni Natta" is a mixed bag. It has moments of genuine sweetness and relatable awkwardness, but it's also hampered by character flaws and questionable plot decisions. If you're a fan of slow-burn romances with a heavy dose of drama and don't mind some frustrating character dynamics, you might find something to enjoy here. However, if you're looking for a straightforward, feel-good romance with easily likeable characters, this might not be the story for you. I'm continuing to read, hoping for some character development and a satisfying resolution, but I'm also prepared to be disappointed.