While on a business trip to Kobe, Tsuneo Asai, a mild-mannered government bureaucrat, receives devastating news—his wife Eiko has died of a heart attack. Given her pre-existing heart condition, the news isn't entirely shocking. However, what baffles Tsuneo is the peculiar circumstance of her death: how did his reserved, withdrawn wife, who rarely ventured out except for her haiku meetings, end up dead in a modest shop tucked away in a questionable Tokyo neighbourhood?

Driven by curiosity and grief, Tsuneo visits the boutique where Eiko died, only to stumble upon the enigmatic villa Tachibana—a reputed haven for clandestine affairs. As Tsuneo digs deeper into Eiko’s past, he uncovers unsettling truths, forcing him to confront the possibility that his wife led a double life.

Why You Should Read?

1. Intriguing Mystery: The novel masterfully unravels a suspenseful tale, keeping readers engaged as secrets slowly come to light.
2. Complex Character Exploration: Tsuneo’s transformation from a placid bureaucrat to an obsessed seeker of truth adds emotional depth and psychological intrigue.
3. Atmospheric Setting: The vivid portrayal of Tokyo’s lesser-known neighbourhoods adds a rich, moody backdrop to the unfolding mystery.
4. Themes of Identity and Deception: The story delves into the hidden facets of ordinary lives, exploring how people often mask their true selves.
5. Thought-Provoking Narrative: Beyond the mystery, the book contemplates grief, betrayal, and the human tendency to seek closure, making it a reflective read.