“The sea in summer is always the same, but the people who come to see it change.”
Chapter 1: Arrival in the Seaside Town
The narrator, Maria, returns to her childhood seaside town to spend her last summer with her cousin Tsugumi, who is terminally ill. Maria reflects on their shared past and the unique bond they formed growing up together in her aunt’s inn, Yamamoto.
Chapter 2: Memories of Tsugumi
Maria recalls Tsugumi’s volatile personality – her sharp tongue, manipulative behavior, and surprising moments of vulnerability. Despite Tsugumi’s frail health, her spirit remains fierce. Flashbacks reveal how Tsugumi’s illness shaped her into a difficult but deeply human character.
Chapter 3: The Summer Begins
As summer progresses, Maria reconnects with old friends from the town, including Kyoichi, a local boy who once had feelings for her. Tsugumi’s mischievous nature emerges as she plays pranks on guests at the inn, masking her physical pain with humor.
Chapter 4: The Beach Outing
The cousins and their friends spend a day at the beach where Tsugumi’s health limitations become apparent. A poignant moment occurs when Tsugumi nearly drowns but refuses help, showcasing her stubborn pride. Maria begins to understand Tsugumi’s complex relationship with mortality.
Chapter 5: The Ghost Story
Tsugumi tells a haunting story about a local legend, revealing her imaginative side. The tale mirrors Tsugumi’s own situation – a spirit clinging to life. Maria notices how Tsugumi uses stories to express emotions she can’t say directly.
Chapter 6: Family Tensions
Maria’s aunt (Tsugumi’s mother) expresses concern about Tsugumi’s worsening condition. Flashbacks show how the family dynamic revolved around Tsugumi’s illness. Maria mediates between Tsugumi and her parents, highlighting her role as the stable counterpart to Tsugumi’s turbulence.
Chapter 7: The Final Goodbye
As summer ends, Maria prepares to leave for college. In their last days together, Tsugumi shows unexpected tenderness. The novel concludes with Maria’s departure, carrying both sadness and gratitude for having known someone as extraordinary as Tsugumi.
Key ideas
- The beauty of imperfect human relationships
- Confronting mortality with humor and defiance
- Nostalgia for childhood summers
- The transformative power of difficult friendships
- Finding grace in life’s transience
Who should read this book?
- Readers who appreciate subtle character studies
- Those interested in Japanese coming-of-age stories
- Anyone who has experienced complex family relationships
- Fans of quiet, introspective literature