Ye gads, books can pile up! Like garbage...which is a messy segue into this brief review of Malena Watrous' If You Follow Me. To be clear, the book isn't garbage but it contains an extensive thread about gomi, (garbage) and the rules that govern its disposal in Japan.
(Thank you, Sherry, for recommending this book; I enjoyed it!)
As a writer, I'm impressed with Watrous' first novel, based on her personal experience teaching English to Japanese children. While the story could be just a fish-out-of-water tale, it's really about love, loss, letting go, and learning to deal - while you're also a fish-out-of-water learning how to sort the damn trash, Japanese style. (Aside: I've read that the Japanese system is highly efficient and about as environmentally friendly as garbage systems can be. Of course, to be so requires reams of rules be followed t.o. t.h.e. l.e.t.t.e.r.)
If... isn't your average love story, and, frankly, isn't as much of a story as it is an extended slice of life. To her credit, Watrous chose an immensely interesting slice, and created the characters and setting so brilliantly that they shine, even when action is somewhat slow.
Though its appeal will likely be lost on most male readers (it's not chick lit, but it is for chicks) I highly recommend this paperback, light and comfortable enough to tote around and enjoy wherever you find yourself reading this summer.
- - - - - - - - If You Follow Me by Malena Watrous
- - - - - - - - Harper Perennial (c) 2010
- - - - - - - - US $14.99
Language lovers will appreciate that each of the book's chapters is 'titled' by a Japanese word or phrase. Readers learn sekushii means sexy, taoreru means to fall or collapse, and reizoku means refrigerator - and Watrous can elaborate on all three.
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