4.5⭐️

See: Loss. See Also: Love. by Yukiko Tominaga revolves around Kyoko, a young Japanese American immigrant in her late twenties, who loses her Jewish-American husband to a freak accident while she is visiting her family in Japan with her eighteen-month-old son, Alex.

The narrative is shared in four sections comprising a series of non-linear vignettes from the first person PoV of Kyoko as we follow her upbringing in Japan, her years as a student in the United States, her marriage to Levi and her settling in the United States to how she juggles her professional aspirations, her responsibilities as a single mother and her personal life in the years following Levi’s demise. Kyoko decides to remain in San Francisco with her son. Her parents in Japan are supportive of her decision and Levi’s family, especially his mother Bubbe, extend their support whenever needed. As we follow Kyoko over the years we see her reflect on her marriage and her loss – it is not just sorrow that she feels – her thoughts often turn dark, her grief often manifesting into anger as she embarks on a journey of catharsis and healing.

The author’s strength lies in her depiction of complex human emotions. What I found particularly striking about this novel was the honesty and insight with which the author has explored themes of grief and healing, infusing a healthy dose of humor into the narrative to keep it from becoming too bleak or overwhelming. Kyoto is critical of herself in all aspects of her life, more so as a single mother and even in her happier moments, she often experiences self-doubt. I loved how the author addresses cultural differences - it was both heartwarming and entertaining to follow how Kyoko approaches her relationships on both sides of the family as she strives to strike a balance between her Japanese roots and her life in the United States, especially in the context of Alex’s upbringing. At times she does come across as detached and unfeeling, a facet of her personality that is emphasized most when she reflects on her marriage and during her interactions with Bubbe, who sees her and accepts her as she is with warmth and affection. Kyoko, who is a tad reserved and not quite expressive when it comes to sharing her feelings or accepting help, finds it difficult to respond to Bubbe’s openness and effusive gestures. Bubbe is a loveable character and the author has done a remarkable job of depiction of how the dynamic between these two vastly different women evolves. Despite the non-linearity (which results in a slightly disjointed narrative), this is a well-rounded story. Beautifully written and thought-provoking, this is a novel I would definitely recommend to those who enjoy character-driven fiction that revolves around themes of grief, healing, family and motherhood.

Many thanks to Scribner for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This debut novel is a raw and honest look into grief and loss and how it penetrates even the smallest, most mundane details of your life. Kyoko, a Japanese-American immigrant loses her husband early in their life and she is left to learn how to navigate the everyday things you would usually share with your partner, including raising their son. The story is told through several different scenes, like small snapshots into Kyoko's life throughout the years as we watch her try to find joy again. This was a really touching read.

This was such an interesting book. I really enjoyed the story and how the format of the book were short chapters, giving us a view into the life the characters. I enjoyed that each chapter was short but the book timeline is not. It's clear that the author had a personal connection to grief because it flows throughout the words. I enjoyed this story a lot and will be sure to look for more from this author!

Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the ARC!

This is a quirky and unexpected story on love and loss with some stereotypical and wild characters. You kind of have to play the believing game as you read it. I had a little trouble getting into it and staying with it, but it speaks to loss very eloquently so readers who have themselves suffered a loss may find it very moving and soothing to read.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It's unique!

A beautiful debut novel a book that tore at my heart.A young widow her husband died in a freak accident leaving her to raise their son alone.She is Japanese he was Jewish and she learn to look to her family and Bubbie the child’s Jewish grandmother.This story carries us through many years following all the emotions sadness joy healing.This is a story that will stay with you a book I will be recommending.#netgalley #doubledaybooks

In this story, a Japanese woman named Kyoko experiences the loss of her Jewish husband in a freak accident that leaves her alone and responsible for their son, Alex. This is the story of her grief, the people who sit in it with her, and how relationships stretch and change. Primary amongst the cast of characters is Bubbe, her mother-in-law, who is sometimes a caricature of a Jewish grandmother, but also gets fleshed out into her own person. The novel spans a long period of time, and yet it has a languid tone that is, perhaps, a reflection of what grief can feel like over time. There's never a finish line for grief; whether you like it or not, you're in it for the long game.