Mina’s Matchbox, Yoko Ogawa, tr. Stephen Snyder

I was absolutely charmed, first by the cover, then by the book itself. A girl riding a pygmy hippo? 🦛 To my amazement, this is not only an image taken from an old match box, Ogawa actually brings the girl and the hippo to life, together with bitter-sweet memories of 1970s. Before I even checked Ogawa’s bio, I knew she lived as a girl through 1970s - the events and atmosphere of the period feels too real for being a second hand records: the girls are reading news about Japanese nobel prize winner sudden death, cheering for a Japanese Volleyball team and spending their first night outdoors awaiting Comet Bennett’s.

The story is however much more complex and universal than only a love letter to the childhood. The two girls - title Mina & her cousin Tomoko are on an edge of becoming young adults, this is probably the last year of their innocent childhood, all those dreams, stories, first impossible crushes, adults’ traumas and bitter relationships not affecting them too much, being filtered out through their young minds.
I loved how the story developed slowly, structured almost like Mina’s matchboxes - hidden inside another box, having a story about the matchbox illustration written on inner sides of the outer boxes - every one of them linked somehow to the main plot.

Ogawa makes sure she leaves traces throughout the book for a reader to not let them forget about the passing time and death as a natural circle of life. Narrator makes it clear: not every character of the book is still alive. So I read and my heart trembled every time Mina got an asthma attack. Also, I couldn’t stop worried there would be some fire - well, with matches introduced so impressively you can’t forget about Chekhov’s Gun rule…
Lastly, the book published originally in 2006 appears to be very up to date: the girls are watching Olympics , cheering for a Japanese volleyball team and not paying much attention to the Munich massacre.

This is a sweet little Japanese story which I very much enjoyed.

This is the story of Tomoko who is sent to live with her rich uncle and his family, and finds herself in a whole new world - living with her asthmatic cousin Mina who goes to school on the back of a pygmy hippo, and creates stories about the pictures on matchboxes, which she stores under her bed.

This is an imaginative, unique and fairly short read which I would recommend.

An interesting Japanese coming of age story about a young child, Tomoko, moving in with her wealthy but eccentric relatives in 1970s Japan. A highly evocative and descriptive story, it is more character-driven than plot-driven, and although slow at times, it captures Tomoko’s observations perfectly and gets the reader completely invested in the characters.

With thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.

I found this book to be really charming and deceptively dark. The writing was so easy to follow that whenever i picked this up i felt like i had to continue on. The characters were all so different and interesting and i really liked how they felt so defined and compelling. I didn't expect the dark moments to hit me so hard but they did! I did have a couple of unanswered questions nothing that affected my liking of the book that much. The tone felt young but suitable and i never felt like Tomoko came across as super young. Reading and enjoying this has pushed to read the other book by Ogawa as i really enjoyed this one.

The novel captivates with the emotional depth of everyday moments, seen through Tomoko’s eyes. Ogawa’s elegant, bittersweet writing reflects on time, memory, and the lasting impact of small experiences.

A wonderfully captivating book that flows gently at an unhurried pace. It’s atmosphere is radiant, almost on the brink of magical but not quite there. Twelve year old Tomoko is sent to live with her uncle in the coastal town of Ashiya. It’s a year full of amazement and new experiences. I don’t want to give too much of the book away but there are stories in matchboxes and surprising pets to look forward to. You almost feel like walking through a museum of childhood while reading this one while reminiscing naive and almost forgotten emotions of your younger days.

Thanks to Vintage books and Netgalley for an advance copy. I couldn’t help buying the hardback.

Soft DNF at 50%
I was enjoying this book, a very poetic and meditative come of age story with lovely writing. However it also took me a while to get through as there seemed to be very little plot. When I reached the halfway mark I decided to put it down in favour of other things as it was very slow paced and ultimately just not the book for me. I might go back to it one day, this definitely wasn't a DNF because I hated the book, I think I wasn't in the right place for it.
This book would be perfect for someone who enjoys nostalgic and poetic writing about childhood, family dynamics and childhood friendship.

The story is recounted by Tomoko nearly three decades later as she reflects on her experiences, using photographs and objects to evoke memories and piece together her narrative in a simple yet moving way.

In 1972, 12-year-old Tomoko moves in with her aunt's family for a year while her single mother pursues an education course. This transition takes her to a palatial home filled with antiques, books, and even a pygmy hippopotamus— a stark contrast to her modest life with her mother. The household includes her aunt, her handsome uncle who runs a soft drink company, the house manager Yoneda-san, the groundskeeper Kobayashi-san, her sickly cousin Mina, and, of course, Pochiko the hippo.

There’s nothing overly dramatic about the narrative. Initially, I kept waiting for a significant event to kick off the story, only to realize that the story itself is the big revelation. For Tomoko, everything is new and exciting; the novelty of her experiences becomes palpable. Simple moments, like getting a library card in a new city or receiving professionally tailored clothes for her school uniform, feel like milestones of maturity and sophistication, even as they make her feel out of place. As her bond with Mina deepens, Tomoko starts to recognize the profound impact of the relationships around her.

The cast of characters is compelling and well-developed, though we only see as much as Tomoko does, reflecting a child’s limited perspective. Like life itself, we glimpse just the tip of the iceberg, and as Tomoko matures, she begins to uncover deeper truths about those around her. The connections she forges with each character are profound and beautifully singular, making this reflective narrative resonate deeply.

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I have to admit to putting off reading this book for a while. Actually once I got into the book, I quite enjoyed it. Mostly set in Japan, Tomoko goes to live with her aunt and uncle when her mother is doing a course after the death of her father. She becomes close to her cousin, Mina and is charmed by the life the family lead in the big house. The pet is a pygmy hippopotamus and the household is run mostly by the elderly housekeeper and the girls' German grandmother. This book does not really have a plot, as such, it describes the friendship between the cousins and life in the house. Secrets are revealed about the family, but being seen through the eyes of a pubescent girl, the significance is not always apparent. Despite the lack of action, the book did draw me in.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC. An unusual book

Mina's Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa is a quiet yet profound tale that captures the essence of life’s small but deeply impactful moments. Told through the reflections of Tomoko, a woman looking back on her year spent with her aunt’s family in 1972, the narrative is filled with gentle yet significant observations of her childhood experiences.

At 12 years old, Tomoko is sent to live with her relatives while her mother pursues a career in Tokyo. Their home, filled with fascinating characters like the enigmatic Mina and a quirky pygmy hippo named Pochiko, becomes a world of discovery for Tomoko. What makes this story particularly captivating is its simplicity. Ogawa masterfully weaves everyday moments—like getting a library card or tailored school clothes—into profound events that shape Tomoko’s understanding of adulthood and relationships.

The novel doesn’t rely on dramatic twists; rather, it’s the emotional depth and beauty of ordinary life that keep the reader immersed. Through Tomoko's eyes, we see the subtle bonds she forms with her cousin Mina and other household members, all written with Ogawa's signature elegance and a touch of bittersweetness. The result is a moving reflection on time, memory, and how the smallest of experiences can leave lasting impressions.

For those who enjoy slice-of-life narratives with deep emotional resonance, 𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒂'𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒃𝒐𝒙 is a must-read—a novel where the simple becomes sublime.

“The books that lined the walls from floor to ceiling sat there quietly, never calling out for attention or advertising themselves with gaudy covers. But even if they appeared to be nothing more than unadorned paper boxes from the outside, they exuded a beauty equal to anything created but a sculptor or potter. Even though the meaning of the words printed on the pages was so profound it could never be contained by those boxes, the books never let on to their depths. They waited patiently until someone picked them up and opened their covers. I came to have enormous respect for that patience.”

If that quote doesn’t sum up the feeling of this book then I do not know what does. Mina’s Matchbox feels like the book equivalent of a breath of fresh air whilst wrapping yourself in your favourite childhood blanket. This novel completely swept me away, making me savour and cherish reading about Tomoko and Mina. At it’s core, Mina’s Matchbox is a love letter to literary fiction readers !

Thank you to netgalley and vintage digital for the e-arc of this wonderful novel !!

After reading The Housekeeper And The Professor, I knew I wanted to read more from this author and though it has taken me some time to get around to it, and I'm very glad I did, as we see a new re-release of her book, Mina's Matchbox.

Ogawa's style of writing for me is never something that lets me down. How this writer sets a scene and brings to life on the page the life of her characters is never something I am disappointed by and that is clear in this book, from the first pages where she talks about the pram to the last pages describing neighbourhoods passing through, this author really does make a sumptuous perspective of the world she is creating.

The story unfolds beautifully really, as we learn about Tomoko and the family she has been sent to live with. Mina and her's bond in these pages is brilliantly told and as the book goes on, we see the story unfolding as we take in Tomoko's story about moving to a new place and gaining her first steps of independence away from her parents.

I think one thing I am glad of is that I was able to take my time with this book and let it simmer in my mind, because it really a book packed with thought and emotion and a story to take your time with as it unravels in front of you.

I need to read more from this author.

(Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the ARC for honest review).

A fascinating and joyful read which really transported me to Japan. I overall really liked this book and the writing is beautiful, however I would have enjoyed it even more if the plot was just a little bit more developed and perhaps more depth given to it as I often found it a bit flat and like not much was actually happening.

Mina's Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa is a delightful, heartwarming story that captures the simplicity and beauty of childhood through the eyes of its young protagonist, Tomoko. The book is a gentle exploration of friendship, memory, and the small yet profound moments that shape our lives.

Set in the Japanese countryside, the narrative follows Tomoko as she spends time with her cousin Mina, who has a delicate health condition. What makes the book special is how Ogawa masterfully brings to life the quiet, everyday interactions between the two girls, painting a vivid picture of their world with lyrical prose and delicate imagery.

Mina, with her fascination for matchboxes and her imaginative stories, is a character that lingers with you long after you've turned the last page. The way she views the world is both whimsical and insightful, reminding readers of the boundless creativity of children. Through Mina’s eyes, even the most ordinary objects become treasures, and this perspective is what gives the book its charm.

While the story might seem simple on the surface, Ogawa's writing is layered with subtle emotions and themes. She captures the bittersweet nature of growing up, the fragility of life, and the enduring power of memories. It's a book that gently pulls at your heartstrings, making you reflect on your own childhood and the people who have touched your life in quiet, unassuming ways.

Overall, Mina's Matchbox is a beautifully written, tender tale that’s perfect for those who appreciate stories about the quiet moments that often go unnoticed but hold the most meaning. It's a quick read, but one that leaves a lasting impression.

This is a beautiful evocative coming of age story as Tomoko goes on an extended visit to her uncle's house following the death of her father. Her cousin Mina, aunt and grandmother all have a part to play as Tomoko finds her place in the family and becomes a valuable companion for Mina.. The story is strange and wonderful, the pet hippo, hidden matchboxes and mysterious uncle all contribute to the atmosphere, and it is a pleasure to read.

Mina's Matchbox is a unique novel which dropped me squarely in 1970s Japan. A surprising little find full of joy, new adventure and the power of adapting to life beyond the ordinary, I loved it.

Newly arrived to live temporarily with her aunt, uncle, grandmother and sickly cousin Mina, 12 year old Tomoko arrives in Ashiya not knowing how it will change her life. Learning to navigate among these intriguing individuals, along with Pichiko the pygmy hippo, opens Tomoko's eyes to a world far different from what she knew with her mother in Okayama.

The beauty of this story feels a bit like watching a party through a key hole. Though you observe the happenings it feels less understood as we experience it from a distance with limited capacity, through the eyes and mind of 12 year old Tomoko. It's freeing and freshing to enjoy this new world with naivety and openness as the story rolls through the seasons and life evolves gradually. I could empathise with Tomoko as she learns more of life in Ashiya. She is both of it yet separate. Sweet, full of wisdom, this isn't exactly a coming of age story but it is one that has stayed with me well after reading the last page. A pure, gentle joy.

"Mina's Matchbox" could be just a whimsical tale about a delicate young girl who writes stories inspired by quirky matchboxes in Ashiya, Japan in the 1970s, but it is much more than that.

Tomoko, our narrator, goes to live with her uncle, his family, and their pet pygmy hippo, Pochiko. She also encounters Kobayashi-san, the gardener, and Yoneda-san, the housekeeper, Grandmother Rose, of German descent and Ryuichi, the son, studies in Switzerland and only returns home for holidays. Tomoko cherishes living in a house rich with mystery and history.

Mina, Tomoko's cousin, is a fragile girl who is often sick and unable to travel. Despite her health struggles, Mina maintains a positive outlook on life. She collects matchboxes, each of which inspires a unique story - tales of elephants, playful lost children, and seahorses.

Mina seeks solace in reading, convincing Tomoko to obtain a library membership to borrow books for her. Nothing dramatic really happens, they go to school (with Mina atop her hippo), share meals, read together, discuss current affairs of the time, watch the Munich Olympics. All very ordinary, however Yoko Ogawa infuses poetic melancholy and tenderness into the narrative, capturing the essence of life. Stephen B Snyder does a commendable job of the translation.

If you enjoy cozy reads and historical fiction, "Mina's Matchbox" will captivate you.

"Mina's Matchbox" is like a gentle hug brimming with depth and emotion.

Very grateful to Vintage and Netgalley for this arc

'But perhaps because they are now so completely removed from reality, nothing in the world can dim my memories.'

After the death of her father, and with her mother struggling to balance a job and looking after her daughter, twelve year-old Tomoko is sent to spend a year with her aunt and uncle. It is, to Tomoko, an exotic and exciting household; a German grandmother, a housekeeper and a gardener, and two cousins, one of whom is a year younger than her. This is Mina, an asthmatic and fragile girl who has an imagination as vivid as anyone. And then there is Pochiko, the pygmy hippopotamus, the last remainder of a zoo that used to exist in the gardens.

Over the course of a year, as the seasons pass quietly in the background, Tomoko is welcomed as part of the family. She starts school, but it is her developing friendship with her cousin that is at the heart of the book. Mina keeps a collection of matchboxes under her bed, and has created vivid stories in her imagination about each one. Tomoko visits the library to collect books for Mina, and as time passes the new experiences and family dynamics of this strange and wonderful household leave a lifelong impression on her.

This is a wonderful novel, slow and leisurely in its descriptions. It is a tale of family and of discovering a new world. Above all, it is a book that reveals the importance of memories. The book is framed by the older Tomoko as she looks back at this extraordinary year in her life, and the bittersweet enchantment is beautifully crafted by Ogawa, and wonderfully translated by Stephen Snyder.

Definitely one of my books of 2024, Everyone should read this. 5 stars.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

This is a delightfully charming book which has an adult Tomoko looking back and reminiscing about her childhood, specifically the year she spent with her Aunt's family. It's a bit of a change for her, moving from living in the city just with her mum, to a big house in a coastal town, living with a multi generational family with staff. But needs must and they make her very welcome. Especially Mina, her cousin, who becomes more like a sister to her. It's kinda Tomoko's coming of age story as she really blossoms from the shy retiring girl she started out being, to a wonderful confident woman. But I will leave you to discover the details as the author intends...
I will however have to mention that back in the day, the big house used to house a zoo. Only one of the animal remains in residence, a hippo called Pochiko, but he is an absolute star of the book. 1972 is also the year of the Munich Olympics, another thing that features.
It's a very character driven book and, as such, the characters have to be good enough to stand up. In this book, we are introduced to some of the most delightful characters. The two girls, the Aunt & Uncle, the Grandmother, the Housekeeper and the Gardener. All brilliant characters. All very different. All paying their parts in the whole very well indeed. I would really have loved to have been invited for tea with them, to meet them for real.
I actually though that this was my first book by this author but when I went to check out her back catalogue, I found that I had already read The Memory Police. Another book I enjoyed. As we are now 2 from 2, I am definitely going to investigate her more. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I wasn’t expecting to love this as much as I did - it seems from the blurb and the first few chapters that you’re getting a sweet but insubstantial story of a girl going to live with her aunt and uncle in a big house in the mountains, with her precocious cousin and a pet pygmy hippo. However those who have read The Memory Police and The Housekeeper and the Professor will know how quickly and stealthily Yoko Ogawa’s novels will sneak up on you with their quiet intensity.

Mina’s Matchbox is charming, bittersweet, nostalgic, moving and intriguing. Ogawa writes her characters with such heart and generosity, and even though this book has very little plot it’s so easy to get completely sucked into the world they inhabit. It left me with a feeling like intense homesickness for a place I’ve never been.