The classic Japanese bestseller published in English for the very first time – a darkly funny and relatable book portraying the lives of five women
‘Witty, wise and thought-provoking’ Cecelia Ahern
‘Crackles and pops with humour, empathy and intelligence’ Lisa Owens, author of Not Working
‘So brilliantly written that I kept trying to memorise sentences in order to repeat them to people later’ Roxy Dunn, author of As Young as This
Izumi needs to get a job.
Haruka needs to stop talking about how she once had cancer.
Kato needs to get through a shift at the convenience store without being harassed.
Mito needs to break up with her boyfriend – or marry him.
Sumie just needs somewhere to live.
In this classic Japanese bestseller, published in English twenty-five years after it took Japan by storm, the lives of five ordinary women are depicted with irresistible humour and searing emotional insight.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Imprint: Virago UK
Publication date: 08/07/2025
