Mina's Matchbox by Yōko Ogawa
In the spring of 1972, twelve-year-old Tomoko travels from Tokyo to the coastal town of Ashiya to stay with her aunt's family. Her aunt's home is a grand mansion filled with German furnishings, sprawling gardens, and even a zoo with a pygmy hippopotamus. The family is as intriguing as their home, with Tomoko's dignified aunt, her German grandmother, and her charming uncle. At the heart of the family is Mina, Tomoko's thirteen-year-old cousin, who draws her into a world of secret crushes and imaginative stories. As Tomoko navigates this captivating environment, she begins to uncover hidden complexities within the family, including her uncle's mysterious absences and her aunt's unhappiness. Through Tomoko's eyes, we witness a poignant and transformative period in her life, capturing the magic and mystery of youth against the backdrop of a family on the brink of change.
The 14985th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 2024
- Nationality
- Japanese
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 288
- Original Language
- English
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- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 2 lists:
- 180th on The Greatest Books of 2024 - Honorable Mention (The Greatest Books)
- The best Japanese fiction in translation (Penguin Books)