I am a really big fan of this author, having read her debut novel Fault Lines a couple of years ago. Nobody has ever made me long to visit a country, like Emily Itami makes me long to visit Japan
This is the story of three sisters all on very different paths in life. Rei, the eldest has a career in the City in London and is devoted to her work, and still getting over a recent relationship breakup. Kiki is a single mother to a young boy, and a geriatric carer back in Japan. And the youngest, Ai, is a famous Japanese pop star who has had a dramatic fall from grace.
Rei races to her youngest sisters aid, and along with Kiki takes Ai to recover away from the pressure of Tokyo - to the village by the sea where they grew up. Where their grandmother still lives.
A story about reconnecting with family, of sisters, and a real love letter to Japan and its culture. It is about coming to terms with the trauma of the past but also finding a way forward and healing.
Really lovely writing, and a wonderful insight into Japan. Loved it.