2011-08-09, 22:31 | Link #421 |
Knowledge is the solution
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: St. Louis, MO
Age: 39
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I just finished reading this. Kudohs to the translators.
I feel really fulfilled after reading Surprise. Even if the author says he didn't really have a good reason for the delay, I do feel those years didn't go to waste. The story was well developed, the characters interactions were delightful, the drama was always there and overall the story kept you on your toes. I even felt sadness at Yasumi's dissapeareance and Sasaki's departure from the main story (I hope Kyon's implication that we may see more of her is not a red herring). Sasaki's character in particular must be one of the most likable I've seen, even if it felt a little too constructed at parts. Nothing I can't forgive in a light novel. 9/10 I'm eagerly waiting for whatever the author will publish next.
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2011-08-10, 00:22 | Link #422 | |
Irregular Hunter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Age: 37
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Now that we're on the topic though, is there any foreshadow left from the early part (~v1-3) of the story? The "Have I met you before?" is Bamboo leaf, and "Kyon always like weird girl" with this arc. Anything else left? |
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2011-08-10, 06:25 | Link #423 | |
Helvetica Standard
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Vancouver, BC
Age: 41
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But... I might read the first part a second time before I go on. The plot is getting set up nicely for an exciting conclusion in the second part. I think the first is only just the warm-up... Beyond that, this series has always been fairly meditative (is that a trait of Japanese storytelling, or Tanigawa even moreso?), but this time around I was especially tuned into Tanigawa's commentary. I enjoyed Kyon's narration as usual, and Haruhi's criticism of the education system. I especially liked the last part where Sasaki and Kyon have that long conversation that eventually delved into existential thoughts about what life means. I really like Sasaki as a character as well. You could be right about her feeling a bit constructed, but she plays a great role as a foil for both Haruhi and Kyon in different ways. I get the feeling Tanigawa also uses Sasaki as a means to express some of his musings that other characters just can't voice as well. Sasaki's apparent calmness and clarity of thought let her tap into ideas more directly than the other characters. I really like reading her mini-essays. I think if Asakura could come back, I'm sure Sasaki will too before the end (which I am not at all convinced Surprise comprises, even if I haven't finished it). |
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2011-08-10, 08:31 | Link #424 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
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Also, the two phrases you mentioned were both already present since Melancholy.
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2011-08-10, 15:13 | Link #426 | |
Under Death by College
Author
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Where you least expect me
Age: 30
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As for Kuyou I want to know what her deal is. Is she ordered to obey Fujiwara? Does she do it of her own volition? Is she under his control? What has Kyon gotten himself into now? And what else has Yasumi got to do? I have almost as many questions about the characters as I do about the story at this point.
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2011-08-10, 21:22 | Link #427 |
Irregular Hunter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Age: 37
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Umm, maybe my language is weird (I'm not a native speaker so please excuse me that). I mean, is there something like those two phases left from the early part of the story that wasn't get explored yet. Those two are examples that already get explored. I don't know if he really planned ahead of time, but the fact that those bits mentioned from the first novel are driving the later part of the series is one of the aspect that I really, really like.
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2011-08-10, 21:33 | Link #428 | |
The Last Loner
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In any case, I remember mentioning in an older thread that I think it might be related to Kyon's development in personality. I'd be happy if it came up again in later novels. Otherwise, why would Tanigawa have Kyon mention it more than once? |
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2011-08-11, 02:29 | Link #429 | |
Irregular Hunter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Age: 37
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2011-08-12, 01:31 | Link #430 |
Resident Car Buff
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Regina, Canada
Age: 31
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Just finished reading it today, stupid work stopped me from finishing it earlier >.>. All I can say is, sh*t literally hit the fan in the last chapter. I can't wait for the next book. Haruhi herself has changed sooo much, sucks about Yasumi though, she seemed to be an alright character. I have a feeling the next novel will be much like 3/5/6 and be a bunch of short stories though.
Side note, I think the author is really pushing the KyonXHaruhi thing now, the whole kyon kind of on top of her in bed and her not getting mad. Also, i'm not spoilering this, but before Kyon ended up in Haruhi's room, was what he saw Haruhi+ Him at a future university/college? |
2011-08-12, 05:27 | Link #431 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
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I think it's safe to assume it is. It's certainly a few years in the future, but the question is of course 'where' and 'why'.
Just to quote what I think are the most important clues regarding this: Quote:
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2011-08-12, 10:09 | Link #432 |
Anime fan/Pokemon trainer
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 38
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I was a bit confused about this myself when I translated it. But the word "kimono" was certainly there. Unless it's part of some unusual non-dictionary word I don't know about, that's what it said
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2011-08-14, 03:30 | Link #438 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Belgium
Age: 40
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yep, I hope we'll get hints in the next novel.
By the way, I read the novel rather quickly so maybe I missed some points: - there is going to be a class reunion for Kyon and Sasaki, right? when exactly, in April or May? - Do we have any hints who confessed to Sasaki? - I had the impression Sasaki liked Kyon more than just friends and took it as a hint that Kyon chose Haruhi over her when he did not give Sasaki the powers. Am I right to think that? I also felt that Kyon also realized this... - Don't they have facebook, twitter, emails, etc? why such farewells like it was the 19th century and they were going to move to another continent? Something like "see you around, i ll mail you one of these days to hang out" would have been a better reply from Kyon, right? |
2011-08-14, 05:11 | Link #439 | |||
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
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An old (unnamed) middle school classmate of hers and Kyon's. Quote:
Quote:
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Tags |
haruhi suzumiya, light novel, spoilers |
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