by 小川洋子
First published 2024
Mina, a reclusive young woman, is haunted by the memory of her lost love, Takeshi. Clutching a single matchbox he left behind, she embarks on a poignant journey to rekindle their connection. As Mina strikes each match, she is transported to moments from their shared past, reliving the tender intimacies and heartbreaking choices that tore them apart. Navigating the fragile threads of memory, she must confront the ghosts that linger and find the courage to ignite the spark that could bring Takeshi back to her. "Mina's Matchbox" is a delicate, bittersweet exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope.
Genres: romance, literary-fiction, contemporary, magical-realism
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, second-chance
Setting: Japan
282 pages · Hardcover · Pantheon