“People who are going to get along really well know it almost as soon as they meet. You spend a little while talking and everyone starts to feel this conviction, you're all equally sure that you're at the beginning of something good. That's how it is when you meet people you're going to be with for a long time.”
Goodbye Tsugumi is a work of fiction by Japanese author Banana Yoshimoto. The story is narrated by Maria, who returns to her family's seaside inn to spend time with her cousin Tsugumi, a fiercely independent and often difficult young woman who suffers from a chronic illness. Set against the backdrop of a fading coastal resort, the novel explores themes of family bonds, the pain of change, and the bittersweet nature of farewells. Through Maria's memories and observations, the narrative captures the intensity of Tsugumi's personality and the emotional weight of a last shared summer before the inn closes and the cousins' lives diverge. The book is known for its lyrical prose and gentle, melancholic atmosphere. more
Banana Yoshimoto is a Japanese writer celebrated for her minimalist and introspective style. Born on July 24, 1964, she gained prominence in the 1990s with her novel 'Kitchen'. Yoshimoto's works often delve into themes of loneliness, youth, and the complexities of human relationships. more
“Feed your fears and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will.”
“Decisions made quickly were almost always regretted quickly.”
“Love meant different things to different people.”
“The men who cannot laugh at themselves frighten me even more than those who laugh at everything.”
“No. I don’t regret it. It wasn’t the right thing to do, but I don’t regret it. - Toni”