A review by gol2023
Mina's Matchbox by Yōko Ogawa

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Whimsical and charming, the tale of two cousins and their friendship Tomoko is entranced by the gilded life of her cousin, titular character Mina, and her wealthy, part 'foreign' household.  1970s Japanese/world events and the undercurrents of dissatisfaction between her aunt and uncle brush past but never really disrupt the narrative. I should add, there is a pygmy hippopotamus. ❤️