“In the spring of her twenty-second year, Sumire fell in love for the first time in her life.”
Chapter 1
The narrator, K, recounts his friendship with Sumire, an aspiring writer who is deeply introspective and socially awkward. Sumire struggles with her identity and purpose, often discussing literature and philosophy with K. She abruptly falls in love with Miu, an older, sophisticated businesswoman, and becomes obsessed with her.
Chapter 2
Sumire begins working for Miu as her assistant, traveling with her to Europe. K, left behind in Japan, receives sporadic letters from Sumire describing her growing infatuation with Miu. However, Miu remains distant, treating Sumire with kindness but no romantic interest.
Chapter 3
Sumire and Miu travel to a small Greek island. One night, Sumire mysteriously disappears without a trace. Miu contacts K, desperate for help. K flies to Greece to assist in the search, but no clues are found.
Chapter 4
K investigates Sumire’s disappearance, retracing her steps and questioning locals. He learns that Sumire was last seen entering a secluded lighthouse. K explores the lighthouse but finds nothing. Meanwhile, Miu confesses a traumatic event from her past that left her emotionally frozen.
Chapter 5
K and Miu return to Tokyo, haunted by Sumire’s absence. K continues to reflect on Sumire’s letters and his own unspoken love for her. The novel ends ambiguously, with Sumire’s fate unresolved, leaving K—and the reader—to ponder the nature of love, loss, and identity.
Key Ideas
- Unrequited love and emotional longing
- The search for identity and self-discovery
- Isolation and loneliness in modern life
- The blurred line between reality and dreams
- The impact of unresolved trauma
Who should read this book?
- Fans of introspective, melancholic fiction
- Readers interested in surreal, dreamlike narratives
- Those exploring themes of love and existentialism
- Admirers of Murakami’s signature style