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** spoiler alert ** Like many Japanese novels, a preoccupation with dreams here. A very unique read here. Mesmerizing, immersive, transporting. I was confused part of the time, but I believe that was partially the idea. The story was visually enchanting, with it be somewhat overwhelming at times. It was more of an experience than a story, actually. It starts out about a young translator, Kazami Kano, whom is greiving following her boyfriend, Shoji's suicide/death. The cause? Like two others before him, it was while trying to translate the ninety-eight story in a collection titled North Pole (from a very sad song) by Sarao Takase. The 98th story borrows from Takase's real life sexual relationship with his daughter Sui.

Throughout the summer, she becomes close to three different characters revolving around the late author, his twin children, Otohiko & Saki, and their half-sister, but also Otohiko's girlfriend, Sui.

Saki, working in the same building as Kazami, meets with her for lunch quite often throughout the summer months. Otohiko, Saki's twin brother, shows up on her doorstep periodically in the middle of the night (often on rainy, dark nights), intoxicated, often needing to share the burden of the suicide; to discuss the ninety-eighth story; otherwise to explore his relationship with Sui, whom also had some previous relationship with Shoji. Kazami soon has some sort of dream like lesbian experience with her. Later on, Saki also sorta tries to almost kill her. Meanwhile, Otohiko & Sui are on the verge of a love suicide pact. See what I mean?

So, fear not. In the end, everyone actually lives. Although the entire novel has a depressing tone, it does have a good ending? As I said, this does not exactly read as a story. It is an experience. It is like watching something....