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Every year, I reread this book; it's almost like a pilgrimage for me. This year, I started just this week after a significant life event, and it feels different. The idea of "the one that got away" resonates deeply. Before, I saw Shimomoto as a romantic ideal Hajime dearly wanted to be real. Now, I also see how Hajime was changing his entire vision of his future.

Such a beautiful book. Kawakami has a way with making such clear and realistic characters. Very happy that I was recommended her works ☺️

Expatriate Literature on Thailand is unique. There are a hundred other like this.

Amazed again and again on how beautiful this book is. People seem to hate Thomas, sadly he is so real.

The troubles of a troubled person are the sweetest to read

Beautiful, melancholic and always subtle. A writer whose words potray sadness and awkwardness that is too relatable.

A beautiful quote. I wonder if she felt like this when Dazai, her father died.

"At the time, I had not yet taken in the reality of my father’s death. I understood that I would never see him again in this world, but because there was a room at home that was just as it had been, he must be present"

I never read anything like this. After I process what I read today, I can write a review, but I need to process a lot. Awed, disturbed, numbed and sometimes a little too amused with what I just read.
Not for people who are faint of heart.

General Update. A very real book, without going into spoilers and lengthy details- I think Murata has really described uncomfortable or taboo subjects in a real tone and scenarios.
As always her writing style is simple and her characters simple, developed strongly with the inner monologues that give them complexity. Questioning how society is seen normal is what Murata does best~

"Mr Mayor can you help us to get Temporary residence cards?"
"Are you a virgin?"
"I only help virgins"