A review by mrtvavrana
Ms Ice Sandwich by Mieko Kawakami

lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

 

Ms. Ice Sandwich is the first Mieko Kawakami book I have read. This year, I am reading more women in translation and more new authors, so I could have skipped her work. 

 

The story is very short and simple. We get a look into the life of a boy and his family; we get to see him build friendships, and, of course, we see his interactions with the mysterious woman he names Ms. Ice Sandwich. 

 

I loved the pace and atmosphere, I loved the characters, and I was pleasantly surprised with how deep this book seemed despite being so short. 

 

Somehow, it reminded me of those short, lovely moments in Studio Ghibli movies where not much is happening. But they make you feel warm and content. 

 

I cannot wait to dive into more of Kawakami´s works.