As someone new to the concept of "Degrowth Economics", I really enjoyed the first three chapters of this book. The language is accessible and maybe even a little too simple for someone well versed in economic theory, but I appreciated Saito’s habit of repeating sentences with different wording to really drive home his points. The way he argues against many solutions opposing degrowth was also fascinating to read. Who knew I’d ever enjoy a book about economics? Not me.

For some reason though, Saito deems it necessary to substantiate his points about degrowth and how it’s the only real way forward with letters Karl Marx wrote at the end of his life. If I hadn't known how heavily Marx is featured in this beforehand, I probably couldn’t have powered through because it felt…so out of place? The constant references to unfinished works of Marx and some letters he wrote, felt like the author was grasping for straws to build a solid foundation. But the foundation was – at least for me – already solid enough, because he cited lots of other authors and works. Why did he feel the need to convince me Marx was all for degrowth?

All in all, I’m glad I read this book. But I’m also glad it was so short and I don’t have to read it again.

This was a fun start to the series — a locked room murder mystery with a twist at the end that I really didn’t see coming! I’m looking forward to reading more of the series.

At 1/3 of the way, I was skeptical and entertained.

At 2/3 of the way, I was trying to figure out where the hell this was going and entertained.

At 3/3 of the way, I was delightfully mocking and entertained.

Went into this book nearly blind, knowing that it was a female MC with very questionable motives, and that there was a movie adaptation coming out. [Slight spoilers ahead if you also want to go in blind] The MC was questionable (absolutely!) but had interesting perspectives to offer as a middle-aged self-loathing white woman who grew up in the 70s/80s, a pre-Internet society that pumped women full of conflicting ideas regarding freedom, shame, and oppression. I may not agree with her views or opinions, but I did say I wanted to read more perspectives that differ from my own and I love myself a veeeeery morally-grey MC. The author uses the perspective to her advantage and makes solid points throughout the story, and I was thoroughly entertained in some form or the other.

Excellent immersive writing, incredible character-building and thoroughly enjoyable story!