See Loss, See Also Love: A Novel by Yukiko Tominaga tells the story of a Japanese woman, Kyoko, who grapples with the unexpected death of her husband, Levi. Following Levi's tragic passing, Kyoko faces the dilemma of whether to return to Japan or remain in San Francisco to raise her son. Her Jewish mother-in-law, Bubbe, encourages her to find love again and to stop being so frugal, while Kyoko’s mother urges her to embrace and celebrate her widowhood. Ultimately, the only certainty for Kyoko is her commitment to being there for her son.
The novel is divided into four sections that reflect Kyoko’s emotional states. These sections shift between the past and present, highlighting pivotal moments in her life. The book was an average read; some parts were entertaining, while others felt out of place. I was frustrated by the frequent jumps between sections, as it made the narrative feel a bit random and disjointed. Additionally, it seemed somewhat aimless, lacking a substantial story. I would have preferred if the book were a collection of unrelated short stories instead of its current format. I would consider reading other works by the author, but I wouldn’t actively seek them out.

No comments:
Post a Comment