One of the key differences between the television adaptation and Miyabe Miyuki’s original novel lies in the characterization and backstory of the main leads. While the book takes time to slowly unveil personal history and the development of relationships through thought processes and internal dialogue, the show condenses much of this, providing more dramatic confrontations and streamlined motivations to fit episodic pacing. This leaves out many layers and subtle complexities in the characters’ personalities.

Another significant change is the treatment of cultural nuances, particularly in how family traditions and rituals involving apples are presented. In the novel, these aspects are woven in with careful explanation, symbolism, and introspection. The series, however, tends to use these motifs more as visual shorthand, occasionally sacrificing context for the sake of brevity or humor. As a result, viewers may miss the cultural depth and thematic resonance so beautifully captured in the original prose.

Furthermore, side characters who play critical roles in the book are often either omitted or amalgamated into composite figures for the adaptation. This not only shifts the dynamic of certain scenes, but sometimes alters the meaning and impact of specific plot points. Subplots that explore friendship, rural customs, or intergenerational tensions are simplified or removed, potentially diminishing the depth of the narrative experience.

Finally, the tone of the adaptation shifts to emphasize lighthearted romance and episodic resolution rather than the contemplative and at times melancholic atmosphere found in the novel. Where the book invites readers to pause and think, the series opts for entertainment value and a brisker narrative pace, making the television version more accessible but arguably less profound.

If you truly want to immerse yourself in the delicate world of Apple My Love, the novel delivers a nuanced exploration you won’t find on screen. Miyabe Miyuki’s original writing masterfully constructs the characters’ inner lives, emotional motivations, and subtle exchanges with a compassion and detail that only literary prose can provide. The pleasure of the book lies in its gentle pace and the small discoveries readers make about each character and the culture that shapes them.

Beyond the plot, the book offers insights into Japanese daily life, food, and family traditions that are deeply rooted, yet universally relatable. Prose allows for more intimate engagement with the protagonist’s thoughts and quiet moments, creating empathy and understanding that can be lost in visual adaptations. Readers who appreciate beautifully rendered relationships and contemplative storytelling will find the novel deeply rewarding.

Choosing to read the source novel gives you the purest form of the author’s vision—untainted by commercial demands or time constraints of television. It is an invitation to savor language, reflect on the nuances of love, and enjoy the subtle humor and intricate details that often never make it to the screen.

After getting her vision back, Kris sees a person in her dreams, but when she wakes up, the only thing she can remember are a pair of eyes. She starts drawing them to help her remember, but when she sees Karn for the first time, she recognizes that the pair in her dreams and Karn's are one and the same...

Drama

Apple My Love

Dive into the captivating world of 'The Copycat' by Miyabe Miyuki, where the intricate layers of humanity and crime are explored with exquisite detail. The novel offers a rich tapestry of psychological insight and tension, unraveling the dark corners of human nature. Miyuki's storytelling not only constructs a riveting narrative but also provides a profound commentary on society, making it a perfect choice for readers who appreciate depth and nuance that only the written word can offer.

While the TV adaptation delivers a visual spectacle, the novel invites you into an immersive experience that delves deeper into the characters' psyches and motives. The suspense builds with each page, drawing you into a vivid world crafted through eloquent prose and skillful plotting. Reading 'The Copycat' will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, offering a deeper and more personal engagement with the narrative that transcends the limitations of the screen.

When a spate of grisly murders throws a city into chaos, a tenacious prosecutor must brace for a cat-and-mouse game against a dangerous manipulator.

Copycat Killer

Why you should read the novel

Copycat Killer inspired from

TVSeries by the same author(s) for
Copycat Killer

Apple My Love

Copycat Killer

Why you should read the novel

Copycat Killer inspired from

TVSeries by the same author(s) for Copycat Killer

Apple My Love

TVSeries by the same author(s) for
Copycat Killer