Kyoichi Katayama – Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World

Original Title: 世界の中心で、愛をさけぶ
Alternate Title: Socrates in Love
Author: Kyoichi Katayama
Genre: Drama

This is the Alfaguara Spanish translation of Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World (a.k.a. Socrates in Love, a.k.a. SEKACHU, in short Katakana xD) by Kyoichi Katayama. The book sprang a manga series, as well as a film (starring Masami Nagasawa, Mirai Moriyama and Kou Shibasaki), and a TV drama… as well as other Asian remakes, namely Korean. xD

The book is about the tragic young love of Sakutaro and Aki, and it was, apparently, very well-received by the public in Japan because of its theme. The Spanish translation is a bit idiotic. Some of the words used are very Mexican in use, so I didn’t really know what they meant. The story is super short but it spans a long period of time, so the story feels rushed and characters are barely examined.

For example, I’m not really sure why should I care much for Aki, other than Sakutaro having a crush (or being in love with her). I am led to believe she is good natured, a good student, shy, and a regular kawaii girl, but I’ve no idea what makes her tick, what her passions are. I don’t relate to her… or him. I know he cares for her… I also know he contemplated getting in her panties and wanted to touch her. I know they are supposed to have developed a deep friendship, but it’s not in the book. I know people begin to see them as one, and I’m a sucker for these types of relationships… but it’s not in the book.

If I want to see sweet tragic love, I’ll get Sweet November (though, I haven’t read the book), but the movie starring Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves (though badly received by critics) made me so sad.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ 

Get it on Amazon: Socrates in Love | Un Grito de Amor…

amy

YAM Magazine editor, photographer, blogger, translator and part-time web designer. Film junkie, music junkie… and lately series (a.k.a. TV) junkie.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.