56 pages • 1 hour read
Kitchen
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Book Brief
152
Novel • Fiction
Tokyo, Japan • 1980s
1988
Adult
18+ years
710L
Super Short Summary
Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto explores the themes of death, isolation, and self-forgiveness through two separate stories: “Kitchen” and “Moonlight Shadow.” In “Kitchen,” Mikage, grieving her grandmother's death, moves in with Yuichi and his mother, Eriko, where she finds solace in their kitchen. Eriko's death further complicates their journey of self-discovery and coping. In “Moonlight Shadow,” Satsuki and Hiiragi confront loss after a car accident, with the help of a mystical event. Topics of death, grief, and loss are addressed.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
109,570 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Banana Yoshimoto's Kitchen is lauded for its poignant exploration of grief, love, and the solace found in cooking. Reviewers praise its lyrical prose and heartfelt storytelling. Criticism largely revolves around a perceived lack of depth in character development and narrative pacing. Despite this, its emotional resonance and cultural insights make it a compelling read.
Who Should Read Kitchen?
A reader who would enjoy Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto is likely someone who appreciates themes of loss, love, and the healing power of food and place. Fans of Haruki Murakami’s emotionally resonant storytelling in Norwegian Wood or the introspective and tender narratives in The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro would find Kitchen compelling.
109,570 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eriko Tanabe
Eriko Tanabe
The captivating and resilient mother of Yuichi who runs a nightclub. She becomes a strong and positive influence on Mikage during her stay with the Tanabe family.
Yuichi Tanabe
Yuichi Tanabe
A university student and acquaintance of Mikage who invites her to live with him and Eriko after her grandmother's death. Yuichi shares a comparable background with Mikage, having been raised by a strong female figure.
Satsuki
Satsuki
The narrator and central figure in the final section, grappling with profound loss. She finds solace through running and encounters a mysterious woman who offers insight into coping with her grief.
Hiiragi
Hiiragi
Hitoshi's brother who uses unconventional means to cope with the loss of his brother and girlfriend. He maintains a supportive friendship with Satsuki and seeks closure.
Urara
Urara
A mysterious and empathetic woman who guides Satsuki at a significant moment of reflection. Her presence is pivotal in helping Satsuki navigate her path to healing.
152
Novel • Fiction
Tokyo, Japan • 1980s
1988
Adult
18+ years
710L
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