This is a beautiful written and descriptive novel following a Japanese housewife Mizuki. Although from the outside her life seems perfect, it only takes one suicidal thought and a charismatic restaurateur to realize how unhappy she has been. Emily Itami is such a good writer: I felt truly transported to the streets of Tokyo, and the children came across so real and alive. The short chapters make this a quick, addictive read, and I just really love it - much more than I expected to.