“Tsukiatte Ageteru” ga Kuchiguse no Daunaa de Ue Kara Mesen no Kanojo ni, “Hoka ni Suki na Hito ga Dekita” to Messeeji wo Okuttara Dou Naru ka Kenshou Shite Mita.

My Thoughts on “Tsukiatte Ageteru” ga Kuchiguse no Daunaa de Ue Kara Mesen no Kanojo ni, “Hoka ni Suki na Hito ga Dekita” to Messeeji wo Okuttara Dou Naru ka Kenshou Shite Mita.

This title is quite a mouthful, I know, but underneath the lengthy name lies a story that really surprised me. Initially, I thought I was diving into a fairly standard revenge-harem setup. I was pleasantly proven wrong. This novel delves into the complexities of its characters and the psychological baggage they carry, making for a far more thoughtful experience than I anticipated.

First Impressions

The beginning does lull you into a false sense of security. You expect the typical tropes – the ex-girlfriend who regrets her decision, the sudden influx of girls vying for the protagonist's attention. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this isn't your average wish-fulfillment fantasy. Instead, I found myself drawn into a narrative that felt more like a light thriller, where everyone has secrets and hidden depths.

What Works Well

What truly shines here is the character development. The characters are multifaceted, and their actions, even when morally questionable, are understandable within the context of their past experiences. The protagonist is a breath of fresh air – he's not dense or oblivious, and he demonstrates a maturity in handling relationships that's rare to see. His ability to reject a girl for valid reasons, showing he's serious about relationships, was a pleasant surprise. Furthermore, the novel tackles themes of self-worth and personal verification in a way that prompts genuine reflection. I also appreciate the translation, which makes the story very accessible.

Areas of Concern

While I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, the ending did leave me a little wanting. The final chapters take a philosophical turn, which, while not inherently bad, felt somewhat pretentious to me. It nearly bogged down the story's conclusion. The open-ended nature of the ending, while perhaps intentional, didn’t quite satisfy my desire for closure.

Final Verdict

Despite some minor issues with the ending, "“Tsukiatte Ageteru” ga Kuchiguse no Daunaa de Ue Kara Mesen no Kanojo ni, “Hoka ni Suki na Hito ga Dekita” to Messeeji wo Okuttara Dou Naru ka Kenshou Shite Mita" is a captivating read. It's a coming-of-age story wrapped in a deceptive package, exploring the messy pasts and complex relationships of its characters. If you're looking for something short, bittersweet, and thought-provoking, I highly recommend giving this a try. I give it a solid 4/5.