Natsu e no Tunnel, Sayonara no Deguchi
The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes

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As one season ends, another precedes similar to how people change-mentally and holistically-and progress with their lives. This is only possible with time, which is one of the most fundamental and crucial resources. Because only with time will seasons change and people mature. Yet it is very limited, and what we choose to do with our time determines the results: our future.

"The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes" is a 2018 award winning light novel. Comprising of a single volume, it is expected to be a packed and short read but manages to tell its tale seamlessly.

The set-up is quite generic: out in ... the countryside lives students attending Kozaki High School but…there lies a mystery of its own-the Urashima Tunnel, a place rumoured to grant one's any wish at the expense of their time/irreclaimable years of life.

The story revolves around our two main characters: Kaoru Touno-a regular highschool student whose family suffered a fallout, and the transfer student Anzu Hanashiro-a strong-willed individual only interested in the peculiar, or the extraordinary-both having their fateful encounter at the aforementioned tunnel. While differing in character, they both share a similarity. Kaoru who clings onto his lost sister in hopes of her miraculous return, and Anzu who seeks establishment in the world, to leave a mark in society. One who looks into the past and one who looks into the future, nonetheless they both carry a longing wish to be fulfilled.

The general outline follows the everyday lives of the two individuals, more specifically in school and their endeavours to uncover the Urashima Tunnel's mystery. As the days progress, the protagonists not only get closer to the truth, but also discover humanity in the other along with those around them and ultimately new value and comfort to their lives. This respite from the past is made possible with 'Time' but the same can be said for the contrary as displayed in the story. Whilst these may seem mundane and unnecessary in the beginning, it all proves to be essential building blocks that adds narrative pressure to the climatic decision: once again, to take a step forward into the future or backwards into the past-to progress on what one has built or forgo the connections one has made.

Overall, the main characters of the story are generally well built-we learn of their past, tendencies and nature, and their development. While the interactions and dialogue do not accumulate to an overflow of poignant emotions, they are realistic. The art, while few and lacking intricacy, captured and portrayed the emotions purposefully. Most crucially, the story remains coherent and while the consequences remain untold, the objective was reached.

The title "The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes" holds the key to this symbolic tale of regret. Will time heal all wounds or be the emissary of dreadful curses? That depends entirely on how one intends to use it.

This LN is not recommended! But if u r still going ahead to try it anyway then I hope u hadn't read the synopsis coz if u did.. Then u have almost known the first 30-40% of the story (if not more as I read only 46% of story ig). This might be the case for many LNs, the synopsis might give away the first half of vol 1 but the difference is that this story is only one volume rather than 10+ volumes (for better or worse).

PACING:
The pacing is completely ruined by big descriptions of nothing important. I wouldn't read another novel by ... this author coz of how he writes, really. He goes into way too much detail (in a bad way) and that makes us feels like the story is not moving forward at all, then again, few authors do write into detail to make us more connected to story but here... It just makes us want to skip the para.

WRITING: Bad!! Too many descriptions (in a bad way) and big paras for no reason!

CHARACTERS:
We follow the story from 1st perspective i.e., from our MC perspective, he is an average mc, tbh, nothing special (even our MC admits that) though that's not a very big issue in itself but side characters r plain too. And the author tried to develop one of the side characters, which kind of completely failed for me. MC's friend is boring, nothing much to notice. Heroine... She seems okayish... Tbh, not that great (atleast till now).
But sometimes MC does think something outrageous and that kind of stands out for me.

Story:
Can't tell much as only 46% of story I read, till here... Boring (especially so if u read the synopsis).

ART is good.

NOTE: This review might change for better or worse if/when I read the complete story! I heard there was something good at the end... But the author's writing is totally not for me. I might try the movie. Heard that the movie skipped few details and I just can't shake the feeling that it might actually be for the better after reading till here...