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The thing about Banana Yoshimoto's books is that I feel like I'm being introduced into a real and raw, yet dreamy world. The main character Sakumi (aka Saku-chan) describes her "mixed up" family and the death of her younger sister and her own accident with crystal clear and unapologetic simplicity.

All the characters have some flaw and we see the flaws, but the flaws are so real and we are able to view them as natural part of life, not a problematic thing to overcome. The characters all seem to stay out late and drink and Sakumi regularly sleeps until afternoon. There is no judgment, and the characters live together in a fluid dance; when they talk their words slice through the truth and these truths are accepted and acknowledged.

I have the vague sense that I am entering another realm when I read this book. Banana Yoshimoto is an intriguing storyteller. I read her other 2 books years ago and I'm so glad I found this gem.

The characters all seem to have some connection to the spirit / supernatural world and it's so intriguing to read how they interact lovingly and in a real and raw way.

This book was a total pleasure, and I find myself wishing that I could have this book accompany me in life to pick up whenever I want to connect with that supernatural world!