His life consumed by work, Nokoru is rocked by a single night of good sleep. And it’s this paradoxical freedom that finally alerts Natsu to her neighbour’s existence. I’ve been wary of the inevitable turn to pandemic stories but romance’s willingness to tackle it makes perfect sense. Romance is about discovery, about growth and the grounding and rooting of its characters. Nokoru’s rediscovery of his childhood loves – forgotten not because they stopped mattering, but because he was forced to prioritise other things overtop of them until they were lost. How fitting that he falls in love with an archaeologist! 

I really enjoyed Natsu from the moment she swept in and upended his world with her cheer and friendliness. How could you forget someone saying your name ‘sounded tasty’? But without falling into quirky, manic pixie dream girl territory. In one of my favourite moments Nokoru apologises, sensing he’s said something that has hurt her. It’s sweet on his part but it also gives her an air of mystery that is followed through on. Nevertheless I do wish that we were allowed to get to know Natsu more. 

Their courtship is so lovely. The reason I love his apology so much is because they have a great awareness of one another but it’s so hard to choose a favourite aspect of their relationship. There’s this wonderful little flow of gifts back and forth that shows they’re thinking of each other. I love fantasy and romcoms but once the great threat or the wacky shenanigans end, it can be hard to imagine what they’re like day-to-day but their relationship is so sweetly domestic. That said, there is an in-between of that and a first date being a visit to a grocery store, but to me this is perfect. 

I believe she calls him proper at one point and it’s great for comedy. He can be totally wrecked by something innocuous and it’s as funny as it is sweet. I would call it a cosy read. Despite being a pandemic book its limited setting doesn’t come across as claustrophobic – though it does have its moments. The ability to mute and rage and an incompetent coworker is so satisfying. The way it makes you dwell on the little things. However that can just as easily be read as romance reasons. 

Unfortunately, despite some good uses, when it does decide to engage with the pandemic is when it’s at its weakest. I loved its atmosphere dearly so the sudden pivot to higher stakes thrown in at the end did take me by surprise. It was an abrupt shift in tone and it also sped up the pace so it came across like a race to the end. But it ended in the perfect place. I still have it five stars and it’s one of my favourite reads this year. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha for this review copy. I leave this review voluntarily.