[Book Review] 160/200 Books: 'Tsubaki no Koibumi' | Ito Ogawa | Gentosha | A moving novel set in Kamakura where 'Time as Medicine' touches the heart
Hello. This is Shiori.
Aiming to read 200 books a year, I record the words that have stayed with me and the things I have learned from books.
This time, for my 162nd book, I read 'Tsubaki no Koibumi' by Ito Ogawa.
This is the latest installment in the Ghostwriter Hatoko series. It is a story that carefully connects people's feelings amidst the gentle scenery of Kamakura.
Introduction
After finishing the book, there were words that remained in my heart.
'Difficult things are "Time as Medicine." Only time can solve them. You don't need to take any action yourself.'
These words from Madame Calpis, who appears in the story, resonated deeply with me as well.
There are events in life that cannot be solved by effort alone.
I was taught that in such times, it is also important not to force a search for answers, but to leave things to time.
Book Overview
Hatoko runs a ghostwriting business in Kamakura.
While living a life with her new family as a mother of three, she spends her days struggling with her relationship with her adolescent stepdaughter, QP-chan.
As she supports the lives of each client and writes their letters, the story quietly depicts human connections, the nature of family, living, and parting.
It was a book that, while written in gentle prose, touched upon the essence of life.
Things that stayed with me and what I felt while reading
What left the biggest impression on me was the concept of 'Time as Medicine'.
Things that are unbearably painful.
Things you cannot do anything about yourself.
Only time can gradually heal such events.
You don't have to be in a hurry to change anything.
I was saved by such a gentle message.
Also,
'If you work with intellect, you will cause friction. If you follow your emotions, you will be swept away. If you insist on your own way, you will be cramped.'
A passage from 'Kusamakura' was also introduced.
Rather than drawing a line between black and white, it is just right to live by dodging and weaving while avoiding head-on collisions.
I thought that such a relaxed way of living is not bad either.
The work is also sprinkled with homages to Japanese literature, such as 'The Sleeping Beauty' and 'Ten Nights of Dreams,' which is a delight for book lovers.
My Personal Experience
The scene where Hatoko is fiercely rejected by her adolescent stepdaughter, QP-chan, felt as if it were written about me.
The distance from a child in their rebellious phase.
The pain of not knowing how to interact with them.
'I wish the "Time as Medicine" would take effect soon.'
I wished for that many times while reading.
Also, I cannot forget the episode of Akane-san, who requests a ghostwritten letter from Hatoko while facing terminal cancer just before her wedding.
I do not have a robust body myself.
That is precisely why my heart tightened as I wondered if I should write a will for my rebellious daughter and husband, thinking, 'What if something happens to me?'
Even though it is a novel, it became a time for me to re-examine my own life.
Recommended Points
I would like to recommend this book to:
・Mothers raising children in their rebellious phase
・Those struggling with family relationships
・Those who love Kamakura
・Those who love Ito Ogawa's works
・Those who believe in the power of letters and words
It is a quiet story, but it is a book that will make your heart feel a little lighter by the time you finish reading it.
Summary
'Tsubaki no Koibumi' was a story that taught me that people can move forward little by little over time.
You don't have to try to find an answer immediately.
You don't have to try to force someone to change.
With the words 'Time as Medicine' in my heart, I intend to walk forward without rushing.
Hashtags
#Reading #ReadingRecord #FinishedReading #BookReview #ItoOgawa #TsubakiNoKoibumi #GentoshaBunko #Kamakura #BookLover