"Kitchen juxtaposes two tales about mothers, transsexuality, bereavement, kitchens, love and tragedy in contemporary Japan."

In addition, it's about loss, grief, depression, friendship, family (found and by blood), the changing of relationships , devotion and moving on.

When I first bought this book, I didn't realize it contained two stories. The longer, main story 'Kitchen' (which was my favorite) and the second, shorter story 'Moonlight Shadow'. 

Both stories have a small supernatural element.

'Kitchen' tells a story about the loss of family members

by blood and by choice

. It shows how people handle grief but also how losing someone can bring new people together. It shows a transgender mother and how loss and the love for her child made her who she is. It talks about the changing of relationships and how sudden things can change. It puts the Kitchen and food at an important role of family and relationships.

'Moonlight Shadow' tells a story about coping mechanisms, some harmful, some 'strange'. It shows the importance of letting go and saying goodbye. 

The stories make you think. About what family is and what that means to you. How loss and grief can impact people and how they may cope. About the role of a mother and the fine line between friendship and love.

Both of the stories are wonderfully written and I really want to read more from this author!