[Book Review] Naruse Runs Through the Capital: For Those Who Want the Best Reading Experience

Hello,
I am Gensuke Sukawa, an information translator.

This is my memorable first article since my self-introduction.

The first book I will introduce is the latest release, just out on December 1st,


"Naruse Runs Through the Capital".

*This article contains Amazon Associate links.

What made me read this book?

I am currently working on a project called
"Read All the Japan Booksellers' Award Winners."

This work is the

final volume of the series that won the 2024 Japan Booksellers' Award, "Naruse Takes Over the World."

I loved the previous two books so much that,

the moment I learned about the new release,
I put it on my schedule and
bought it on the day it was released.

The experience of buying a book on its release day

is probably something I haven't done since Harry Potter.

Anyway, I love the straightforwardness of the protagonist,
Akari Naruse.

The final volume was something I looked forward to,
but it was also bittersweet.

But after actually reading it,

it was incredibly good.

While my enthusiasm is still high,
I decided to write this,
choosing it as my first book.

What is the appeal of the Naruse series?

The series' protagonist,Akari Naruse.
She is, above all, a very straightforward girl.

Every morning, she runs around Lake Biwa,
and it is her habit to make and eat a ham and egg bowl.

She doesn't show much emotion,
but she is a very charming protagonist.

In volume 1 she is a middle schooler,
in volume 2 she is a high schooler,
and this work depicts the story of Naruse
as a Kyoto University student.

This novel is not from Naruse's perspective, but rather
a collection of stories about
the people around herwho watch her actions.

Friends, parents, classmates, etc.
It is also characteristic that the perspective
changes with each chapter.

The previous two books gave the impression of being
lighthearted and fun
youth novels.

Surprisingly, this one also comes with emotional depth.
Perhaps because it's the final volume, it's packed with elements.

For someone like me who is known for having a weak tear duct,
it certainly hit home.

Who is this recommended for?

It is divided into chapters and
has a lot of dialogue, so it is easy to read.

It is a work that is easy to recommend
even to those who don't usually read books.

I think it will suit those who like
Tomihiko Morimi's "The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl"
.

Since this work is set in Kyoto,
it includes elements that fans of Morimi's works will enjoy.

Readability Level 5 stars is the max.
★★★★★
(5 stars)
Easy to recommend even to those who are not good at reading.
Lots of dialogue.
Divided into chapters, making it easy to read.
Engaging plot.
At 231 pages, it's on the lighter side.

Two chapters that left an impression

This work consists of 6 chapters in total.
I will introduce the two chapters that were particularly good.

That's just the kind of child she is

This is a chapter centered on Naruse's mother.

It's about how Naruse gets interviewed on local television,
and how her mother ends up on camera as a result.

It was incredibly good.

Naruse's childhood,
and how there were parts of her that were too straightforward and difficult to handle.

How her mother accepted that,
and how she watched over her.

It was packed with heartwarming episodes that made me realize,
this is the mother Naruse was born from.

The importance of acknowledging your child—I feel like I was taught how a parent should be.

I felt that I want to face my own child's dreams
in this way as well.

Regarding her saying from a young age
that she would live to be 200 years old,
the mother's words and Naruse's response to them are the best.

I can also understand why this chapter

was titled "That's just the kind of child she is."

This is the first chapter in the Naruse series that made me cry.

"The water of Lake Biwa is constant"

This is the final chapter.

It is a chapter from the perspective of
Naruse's best friend,Miyuki Shimazaki,who has appeared since the first chapter of volume 1.

I have read many novels that surprise you with plot twists,
but

I haven't experienced many
that leave your heart feeling warm at the end.

At the very, very end, after reading Shimazaki's line

And, without any resistance, I was naturally crying.

The moment I finished reading, I felt strongly that
I was glad I couldread this seriesand
strongly felt it.

It is an ending that makes you feel like you came through all 3 volumes
just to read this chapter.

I really want you to experience this bestaftertaste
.

Characters I like

My favorite character is
of courseNaruse.

Not only her personality and way of life, but I actually like her appearance too.
I am drawn to dignified, cool women.

However, I think everyone who reads this book will come to like Naruse,
so I will introduce one more person I like.

Nishiura-kun.

He first appeared in volume 1, 'Naruse Takes Over the World'.

He is a male student living in Hiroshima who falls in love at first sight with
Naruse, whom he met by chance at a Hyakunin Isshu tournament.

Actually, the Naruse series is a youth novel, but it has very few romantic elements.
Naruse, who has too many things she wants to do besides romance, says this:

Naruse, who has too many things she wants to do besides romance, says this:

Since Naruse plans to live to be 200 years old, that's at least 90 years from now...
at the earliest.

Hang in there, Nishiura-kun!Hang in there, Nishiura-kun!

In this installment, the spotlight shines on Nishiura-kun once again.
Nishiura-kun once again.

Although he is at a different university than Naruse, Nishiura-kun has also moved to Kyoto for his studies.
moved to Kyoto for his studies.

He continued to exchange letters for two years with Naruse, who did not own a smartphone.
who did not own a smartphone.

One day, a surprising event happens to him...

Please give it a read.
It will warm your heart.

As a fellow Naruse fan, I can really empathize with Nishiura-kun.
I can really empathize with Nishiura-kun.

Thank you, Nishiura-kun!

Gratitude to Mina Miyajima-sensei

It has been a long time since I enjoyed a series this much.

Reading everyone's reviews, there are many voices lamenting the end, saying they wanted to read
The 200-Year History of NaruseThe 200-Year History of Naruse
saying they wanted to readmany voices lamenting the end.

The author, Mina Miyajima-sensei, decided to conclude the series with this book, prioritizing finishing it while she is still energetic.
prioritizing finishing it while she is still energetic.
decided to conclude the series with this book.

Of course, I feel a little sad about it ending, but
I was happy to experience the conclusion in real time.

Apparently, there were no plans to make it a series originally, so
I was happy just to be able to read up to the third volume.

There is a line like this in the story.

I also felt like I was able to experience
unexpected things
through this novel.

It was a truly wonderful work.

As part of the Japan Booksellers' Award series,
"Naruse Takes Over the World"might also
be introduced again.

Please join me again when that happens!

If you haven't read it yet, I want you to start from volume 1
and read them in order.

By reading the entire series,
you can enjoy the final volume to the fullest.

See you later!

Future projects will start with self-introductions

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*As an Amazon Associate, Sukawagensuke earns from qualifying purchases. I may receive a referral fee for purchases made.

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