Synopsis
- Tamura Sayoko spends her days as a full-time housewife, devoted to her family, but feels lonely and trapped.
- Narahashi Aoi, meanwhile, is the energetic CEO of a travel agency. Though she appears free-spirited and energetic, she harbors deep wounds from her past.
- One day, Aoi scouts Sayoko for a new business venture (a housekeeping service), and the two begin their relationship.
- Sayoko experiences the outside world through her work and rediscovers her own values. Meanwhile, Aoi’s interactions with Sayoko lead to complex feelings about family and motherhood.
- The story parallels their current relationship, depicting Aoi’s high school memories—her encounter with the lonely girl Nanako and her journey running away from home—and delves into her inner self.
- Their differing values lead to clashes and distance. However, as they learn about each other’s weaknesses and pasts, they gradually deepen their understanding and seek to join hands again.
Review
■ Women’s Community
The story depicts the community of housewives surrounding Sawako at the park, the community at her new workplace, and the community of high school friends surrounding Aoi. I’m sure everyone has experienced or seen the community surrounding Aoi during their student days.
On the other hand, the relationship between Aoi and Nanako is very strong.
Nanako’s way of life is very strong. However, Nanako’s ability to maintain her strength even at the edge of her limitations seems to reflect the human fear of loneliness.
The careful portrayal of these relationships and the thoughts of the characters living within them is also one of the charms of this work.
■ Deep Relationship Between Two People
The relationship between Aoi and Nanako is written in contrast to the community within a group.
While they are best friends, it’s interesting that this relationship never develops within a group community; it only develops when they’re alone.
I can understand how relationships between two people can be limited in one world, but emerge for the first time in another.
I feel like I’ve experienced a relationship similar to that.
Still, it’s unfortunate that Aoi and Nanako’s close relationship ended after the incident, despite their intense bond. Meanwhile, Aoi and Sawako’s relationship drifted apart, only to rekindle. This is perhaps the power of aging.
■From Full-Time Housewife to Working Mom
Recently, television dramas have often portrayed full-time housewives and women who work and raise children.
This novel, too, carefully portrays the feelings of a woman who goes from being a full-time housewife to working. The discomfort felt from casual conversations with her husband and mother-in-law. The sense of fulfillment that can only be felt by working.
While neither is correct, the novel emphasizes the broader perspective and new relationships that come with working.
While housework and childcare at home can make for a fulfilling life, reading this book may inspire those who question their simple everyday lives to want to go to work.
