To Be With You Reviews

one of the most profound and cathartic visual novels i've experienced in my life. albeit, when looking at this piece from the perspective of a typical vn, it's narrative falls short. yet the crux of this vn is far from it's story. but rather, the true meat and substance lies in it's anecdotal storytelling; portraying a story that outlines the nuances of intimate partner violence and domestic abuse. when in the abused's shoes, it's especially hard to even comprehend the extent or validity of abuse. this is highly reflective in the first read, you almost feel like you're stringed along her thought process amidst the gaslighting and guilt-tripping. then it compounds with the suggested re-read, coupled with a director's commentary that deconstructs the nuance in the dialogue. being someone who's experienced an extreme case of ipv and am healing from it, i have never experienced a piece of media that accurately depicts the subtle ways the abuser manipulated their way into a co-dependent relationship. with tactics such as: incorrectly framing situations to benefit the abuser, gaslighting and misleading the abused, isolating and controlling the abused, love bombing out of desperation, and minimising the experiences and self-esteem of the abused; i would even argue that this is a mandatory read to garner a sense of understanding and empathy for victims in ipv situations. it's heartbreakingly educational. it's a triggering piece, but well worth it. it's hard to see abuse. i didn't see it for years. vns like "to be with you" are paramount to helping people recognise the signs of abuse and encourage people to prioritise their safety and well being in similar situations. and i'm grateful i'm in a position in my life to experience and appreciate this vn in a healthier place in my life. i needed to read this visual novel. and i'm glad i did.