“The night was deep, the stars were out, and I felt like the only person left in the world.”
Hardboiled
The first novella follows an unnamed woman who embarks on a solo hiking trip to a remote mountain area. As she walks, she reflects on her past, particularly her failed relationship with a woman named Chizuru. Strange occurrences begin to unsettle her—mysterious footsteps, a misplaced egg, and eerie dreams. She encounters a Buddhist priest who cryptically mentions the anniversary of a tragic fire that killed many, including Chizuru. The protagonist realizes she may be experiencing supernatural remnants of her lost love. The story blurs reality and the uncanny, leaving her—and the reader—questioning what is real.
Hard Luck
The second novella centers on Kuni, a young woman whose sister, Satsuki, lies in a coma after a sudden brain hemorrhage. Kuni struggles with grief and guilt while navigating her family’s strained dynamics. She meets Satsuki’s ex-fiancé, who shares his own regrets, deepening Kuni’s emotional turmoil. Meanwhile, her brother-in-law’s new girlfriend, Yukino, enters their lives, bringing an unexpected sense of solace. The story explores themes of loss, acceptance, and the quiet ways people heal. In the end, Satsuki passes away, and Kuni finds a fragile peace in letting go.
Key Ideas
- The fragility of human connections and the lingering presence of loss.
- The intersection of the mundane and the supernatural in everyday life.
- Grief as a transformative, nonlinear experience.
- The search for meaning in seemingly random tragedies.
- Subtle moments of connection that offer redemption.
Who should read this book?
- Readers who enjoy introspective, character-driven narratives.
- Fans of Japanese literature with a blend of realism and subtle surrealism.
- Those grappling with themes of grief and emotional resilience.
- Lovers of minimalist prose that carries deep emotional weight.