Goodbye Tsugumi: Book review

Book review






Book Review 

Title: Goodbye Tsugumi
Author: Banana Yoshimoto
Genre: Fiction/Translation (Japanese)

Goodbye Tsugumi explores the unique and close bond between two cousins. We have our protagonist- Maria who is the daughter of an unmarried woman. Maria’s father is finally in a position to take Maria and her mother to the city. Maria gears up for a different kind of life. Meanwhile Tsugumi, Maria’s cousin is brash, invalid and mean. She invites Maria to spend one last summer with her. A summer which becomes a life changing one for both the cousins. Maria attains maturity and at the same time grapples with the possibility of losing Tsugumi forever. 

The story is narrated in first person from the point of view of Maria. The prose is smooth and soothing. It flows in a rhythm, capturing the beautiful setting of the sea side town. Through Maria’s eyes we see her endearing rapport with Tsugumi. We feel her aching moments when she is trying to come to terms with the changes in her life. The pages of prose contain a certain amount of nostalgia as they flicker between the past and the present. The character of Tsugumi is interesting. Despite her condition, she possesses a certain spark and spunk. The story is bittersweet as it conveys a message of nothing being permanent in our lives. There is a time when we have to bid goodbye to everything- life, relationships, home. But that shouldn’t deter us from enjoying the present moments. 

What stands out is the tsugumi’s letter to Maria. This is full of assurance, hope and positivity. It’s interesting how the author has explored with points of view and form in this novel. Goodbye Tsugumi is a simple yet evocative story. A story that is bound to strike a chord across the globe with its universal themes of friendship, love and change. 

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