Four Seasons in Japan

Holly says: "This story-within-a-story follows two plotlines over the course of a year. Flo is an American translator living in Japan. When she decides not to follow her girlfriend abroad, she’s left feeling adrift, until she discovers a mysterious memoir, and decides it's the perfect choice for her next translation project. Meanwhile, after failing his university exams, nineteen-year-old Kyo is sent from the city to a small village to live with his grandmother Ayako. Kyo is a talented artist who struggles to communicate with his grandmother, a formidable woman who shares a secret grief with Kyo. Much more character-driven than plotty, this story gently paints a picture of modern Japan; I found it a quick read and enjoyed the different layers of culture and society on display. Readers will want to note that this story deals with difficult themes including family trauma, depression, and suicide."