At the outset of this novel, the titular character, Miwako Sumida, died by suicide. Those closest to her grieve and try to understand what might have led her to such dark depth. This novel unfolds much like a mystery, with layers of clues unveiling the life that Miwako led through the eyes of those closest to her. Ryu loved Miwako. The two met at college students and Ryu quickly developed a deep crush on Miwako but settled to be close with her on her terms. Ryu’s transgendered sister, Fumi, hires Miwako as a painting assistant and gets to know her from a more removed and highly observant point of view. Finally, Miwako’s best friend, Chie, knew some of Miwako’s secrets, but not nearly all of them. Together, Ryu and Chie follow clues left behind to try to piece together the secret parts of Miwako’s life.
Bonus recommendation: Rainbirds
I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention Clarissa Goenawan’s previous novel Rainbirds. With some similar themes, Goenawan’s debut follows Ren Ishida, a graduate student living in Tokyo who moves to a small town where his sister lived after her mysterious death. I listened to this one on audiobook and thought the narration was fabulous.
TW: Suicide, Rape
Well-Read Neck 