3.5 stars! A charming collection of domestic stories taking place all over the world (mainly Tokyo and the UK) exploring casual interactions and commonplace experiences that cause us to feel isolated, displaced, seen, and loved. A small but frustrating dispute between a married couple about a bird nest. A manager witnessing and being subjected to a rollout of robotic managers that dehumanise her. A complacent worker from Scotland outstationed to Tokyo finally finds comfort in new friendships after getting lost hiking down a mountain post-sunset. A man seeking the comfort of his childhood pool. In all these stories, we're reminded of how stubborn, silly, irrational, passionate and empathetic we, people, can be. We crave predictability for comfort. We crave variety for growth. The array of stories in this collection does a lovely job depicting little slices of these facets of humanity.

Thanks to Netgalley and Neem Tree Press for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.

This book features a collection of illustrated short stories, mainly set in Japan. There were a nice variety of stories covering different elements of the human experience. I really enjoyed the illustrations at the start of each story, I thought they were beautiful and I enjoyed trying to guess what the story would be about based on the title and illustration.

Overall this was an enjoyable, quick read and something a little bit different from the standard fiction book. As they were short stories, some of them felt very surface level, but others still managed to contain real depth to the stories.

Thank you Neem Tree Press, Christopher Green and NetGalley for the ARC!

This is one of the best short story collections I’ve read. Each story has its charm and the range of viewpoints we get are fascinating. Some are in the first person, some are third person; some from a foreigner’s perspective, some from a Japanese perspective. The robot managers story is a masterclass in black humour and the criminal “confessions” are hilarious (particularly as we only get one side of the story). The ironing story, well, just read it and chortle! The illustrations at the start of each story are very well done and set up the story without giving away the twists. Well worth a read then a re-read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I think this book was good. I requested it because it sounded interesting, and it was. The cast of characters was interesting and all so different from one another. I love the setting and environment this book created it really helped to create well rounded and dynamic characters

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories a lot. As is always the case with these collections I preferred some stories to others. But overall they were all very entertaining and especially the last ones were very different in tone and setting. I also adored the illustrations.

4.75/5 stars!

A collection of short, illustrated stories from the country I most want to visit, Japan? YES PLEASE. To say that I ate this up was a complete understatement. I really, really enjoyed these short stories. And it would have been a solid 5 stars if this book had of actually teleported me to Japan. The authors writing is quick, witty, and it fully traps you in all the right ways! I cannot wait to read more by this author.

A massive thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley UK for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I don’t typically gravitate towards short stories, but something about “Takeout Sushi” caught my eye. These short stories are filled with micro moments of what it truly feels like to live this human experience. Christopher Green skillfully integrates cultural elements from Japan, not just as a backdrop, but as essential threads that add depth and authenticity to each story. Rich in unique perspectives, these stories are definitely worth revisiting.
Thank you Neem Tree Press/Christopher Green/NetGalley for the ARC!