I’m not sure where I heard about this book, but I figured it would be an interesting read. It is about some people in Japan processing their grief after losing loved ones, from the tsunami of 2011 as well as people lost for other reasons.
The book hinges on the (true life) presence of a phone booth in a garden near the ocean in northeastern Japan, not connected to anything but used by people to speak to people they have lost.
The writer worked hard to include lots of Japanese culture into the lives of the Japanese characters, and for me it felt a little forced. But the stories of the people were quite compelling – and seeing how they deal with their loss is somewhat inspiring. I’ve been lucky enough to avoid having to go through this kind of grief and loss, but for readers that have or are going through it currently, I think this kind of story would be beneficial. It seems like the author was greatly moved by this phone booth and the benefits it gives – it shows in the writing.
Another point about the the writing was the inclusion of intermittent breaks detailing the realia of the characters. This was a unique way to make the story seem even more real and heartfelt
The book was OK, not really my style, but I think I’d recommend it for people going through tough times.
Next I’m reading Ruth Reichl’s My Kitchen Year. It has been a while since I’ve read a new cookbook.
