I just finished this book and in burning to discuss it. Spoiler alert.
*is Kajimana autistic? This would explain some traits, such as her need to follow recipes quite exactly to the letter and never innovate, her social interactions at the cooking school (trying to show interest in other women by asking them constant questions about their clothes etc and coming off as creepy), her difficulties in relating to others. On the other hand she was great at reading social cues (eg reacting to emotional nuances shown by Rika).
*Anyone else immensely disappointed that Rika and Reiko did not become a couple? So much throughout the book seemed to clearly point at them realising they had always loved each other and were meant to be.
*Speaking of Reiko, why bother developing her character so much when in the end she disappears? She's nowhere to be found when her best friend Rika is going through major upheaval in her life (eg Kajiis betrayal).
*At some point there is a suggestion that Reiko and Shinoi might have slept together? Something like Rika could notice Reiko's voice being softer around him and "wondering" but not asking – since Reiko's parents had an open marriage, this might make sense?
*Why did Reiko take the dog after so many years?
*What was the deal with Yokota the loner guy? Why was he so enchanted by Kajii but not at all by Reiko? This was never explained.
*Why so many fleas at the Kajii home? Was this supposed to show us… that they were deranged… whilst simultaneously the case was made that they weren't? There was some quasi-incestuous relationship going on perhaps, but how does this result in flies – whilst the family does do a good job at other domestic tasks such as tidiness, cooking or tending to the plants?
*Also disappointed that Rika never seemed to show any insecurity about her weight. Her only concern was being bothered by other people but she herself never had one single critical thought or dislike about her body, which I think would happen to the most reasonable person in that social context and under all that pressure.
*why did Reiko go back to her husband when the book goes to great lengths to explain why they're not suitable for each other and Reiko chose him for the wrong reasons?
*Makoto – ew.
by parisbluecat