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I read this book after it was referred to me, and it was a great read. There is this unique style of storytelling which each culture has. In the case of Japanese books, what has stood out for me is the strength of the story.
Rie has had a hard life – she lost her son Ryo tragically and is divorced. She must also care for her young son – Yuto. She works in a stationery store and meets Daisuke Taniguchi who becomes a regular customer. He is a little reserved and but always gentlemanly. They get married after some time and have a daughter – Hana. Daisuke has told Rie about his family but is not in touch with them.
Daisuke dies in a tragic accident. Rie is heart-broken and informs his brother Kyoichi. Kyoichi visits Rie, and shockingly informs her after seeing her husband’s pictures that he is not his brother Daisuke. Rie struggles to understand what this means – who was her husband? And was he hiding away after committing any crimes? But that seems to not jell with the person she knew. Rie contacts Akira Kido, a lawyer who had helped her with her divorce. Kido is married to Kaori and has a son Sota, and he is going through some personal issues as well. Though the fees would be small, Kido is keen to get to the truth of Rie’s diseased husband’s identity.
The book intersperses a great story with very good philosophical discussions – around how the past inevitably influences the future. The middle sections seem to meander here and there a little before the story regains momentum.
A strongly recommended read!
My rating: 4.25.
Rie has had a hard life – she lost her son Ryo tragically and is divorced. She must also care for her young son – Yuto. She works in a stationery store and meets Daisuke Taniguchi who becomes a regular customer. He is a little reserved and but always gentlemanly. They get married after some time and have a daughter – Hana. Daisuke has told Rie about his family but is not in touch with them.
Daisuke dies in a tragic accident. Rie is heart-broken and informs his brother Kyoichi. Kyoichi visits Rie, and shockingly informs her after seeing her husband’s pictures that he is not his brother Daisuke. Rie struggles to understand what this means – who was her husband? And was he hiding away after committing any crimes? But that seems to not jell with the person she knew. Rie contacts Akira Kido, a lawyer who had helped her with her divorce. Kido is married to Kaori and has a son Sota, and he is going through some personal issues as well. Though the fees would be small, Kido is keen to get to the truth of Rie’s diseased husband’s identity.
The book intersperses a great story with very good philosophical discussions – around how the past inevitably influences the future. The middle sections seem to meander here and there a little before the story regains momentum.
A strongly recommended read!
My rating: 4.25.