The bright, monochrome backgrounds helped set the exact tone the story was going for. It is a very gentle VN in every way, but the bright greys do feel sterile in a way that fits the subject matter.

I feel like the narrative focus is misplaced in the first half of the story. Some of the prose was too simplistic at times (a lot of straightforward mentions of feeling sad, happy, in love) which is a strange contrast with the more raw and expressive wording used in the poems.

The highlight of the VN for me were the two poems. I loved the difference in tone, maturity and  skill depicted through the different voice used by the two poets in their corresponce.

Considering the subject matter I'd say it's almost cheating, but I'll admit it got me teary eyed. While it makes me feel sappy, The Parts That Live pulled on my heartstrings and played me like a fiddle.

Despite the issues I had with some of the storytelling and prose decisions, it's an overally solid first VN!