After finishing The Story of a Single Woman by Chiyo Uno, the first words that come to mind are: Wow! What an experience. Reading this, I often found myself feeling as though I were sitting beside Kazue through every pivotal moment in her life—like being a friend quietly watching her navigate the highs and lows.

I went through an amalgamation of emotions with Kazue: admiration, sadness, worry, disappointment, curiosity...the kind of feelings you have about real people in your life that you care about. Something about the way this book is written just feels so, so real. I think that's what makes it feel so special—it was beautifully written, and experiencing life through her eyes was genuinely moving.

I loved that Kazue changed over the course of the story. She grew and adapted, her experiences shaping who she would become...while the essence of who she was at her core never wavered. It felt very true to life, and there were many moments in the book where I myself felt connected to Kazue, relating to some of the things she felt and did. There were moments where I'd wondered if I was missing deeper symbolism or themes, but I think that just makes it worth a second read. I have no doubt I'll pick up on things I missed the first time.

This book left a mark on me—it’s the kind of story that sticks with you, quietly shaping the way you see things even after you’ve turned the last page. If you’ve ever felt lost or like you’re trying to find your way, this is definitely a book worth reading.

Really good prose and lightweight story. I enjoyed the pace and relaxing atmosphere as well as the somewhat delicate tenderness that flooded through the pages.