This book has been on my shelf for a long time. I don't remember when I got it, but somehow, each time I browse I passed it by, thinking I'd read it. Luckily, I picked it up the other day, and now can't put it down. The characters are lovingly and carefully crafted as is the story. the tale of a young Chinese man who is sent to a small village in Japan to recover. Set in ww2, the tensions between Chinese and Japanese enter into the story, as does love and infidelity. The writer weaves together the angst of illness, personal loss, war, with the lovely moments and relationships that make life joyfill without ever falling into the trap of cliche or false aentiment. I will buy more of Tsukiyama's books, and this time I'll read them right away.