I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

One day, I – a high schooler – found a paperback in the hospital. The “Disease Coexistence Journal” was its title. It was a diary that my classmate, Sakura Yamauchi, had written in secret. Inside, it was written that due to her pancreatic disease, her days were numbered. And thus, I coincidentally went from Just-a-Classmate to a Secret-Knowing-Classmate. It was as if I were being drawn to her, who was my polar opposite. However, the world presented the girl that was already suffering from an illness with an equally cruel reality… The best-selling, award-winning debut work by Yoru Sumino: “Bestsellers 2016 (Overall) by NIPPAN” – 4th Place “Bestsellers 2016 (Paperback Fiction) by NIPPAN” – 1st Place “Bestsellers 2016 (Overall) by TOHAN” – 5th Place “Bestsellers 2016 (Literary Books) by TOHAN” – 1st Place “Bookstore Grand Prix 2016” – 2nd Place “DA VINCI BOOK OF THE YEAR 2015” – 2nd Place “Bestsellers 2015 (Literary Books) by TOHAN” – 6th Place As of May 2017, this book has sold over 1.2 million copies.

Original Publisher

futabasha

English Publisher

seven seas

Original Language

japanese

Type

Published Novel

## My Thoughts on I Want to Eat Your Pancreas "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas" – the title alone is enough to pique anyone's curiosity, and I dove in expecting something truly unique. What I found was a poignant story about life, death, and the beautiful, messy connections we make along the way. It's a short novel, but one that packs an emotional punch far beyond its length. ### First Impressions From the outset, I was struck by the author's storytelling. We know what's coming, we know the inevitable, but that doesn't diminish the impact. In fact, it enhances it. The story unfolds slowly, meticulously detailing the interactions between the introverted male protagonist and the vibrant, terminally ill Sakura. This contrast is immediately captivating. ### What Works Well The character development, particularly of the male lead, is phenomenal. He starts as someone detached from the world, finding solace only in books. But through his relationship with Sakura, he slowly learns to embrace life, to connect with others, and to feel. This transformation is the heart of the novel, and it's executed with incredible sensitivity. I also appreciated the emphasis on platonic love. The pure friendship between the two main characters is a refreshing and heartwarming element. It highlights the beauty of human connection without relying on romantic tropes. The ending, while heartbreaking, felt perfect. It avoided easy resolutions and stayed true to the themes explored throughout the story. The author's clear vision shines through, making the emotional impact all the more profound. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning I would advise against reading the prologue initially, as it may reveal key plot points that could diminish the emotional impact of the story. ### Final Verdict "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates emotionally resonant stories. It's a tale that will stay with you long after you finish reading, prompting reflection on life, friendship, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Be prepared to shed some tears, but also to experience a profound sense of beauty in the face of tragedy. I highly recommend it.