I loved Spirited Away, but this film was merely okay. It was a lot more preachy and a lot less engaging in terms of plot and character development.

While Coupland threw in a couple of plot twists that I didn’t think were necessary, overall this is a very compelling and nuanced read. The narrative structure is very complex, weaving a web of sins that ultimately leads to redemption through a sacrificed son. Brings up some very interesting questions about the holiness of everyday life and the nature of fate, not to mention it was a very fast read. Coupland’s writing is both concise and lyrical, an accomplishment that is worthy of praise in and of itself.

This book was just lovely. The language was achingly beautiful and the characters familiar and complex. Though I’ve often heard people complain that nothing really happens I’d have to disagree. The story itself asks some very interesting question about morality, social norms, family ties, religious zeal, and the function of story telling.