Book Review: ‘A Perfect Day to Be Alone’ by Nanae Aoyama and Jesse Kirkwood

Book Title: A Perfect Day to Be Alone
Author: Nanae Aoyama
Translator: Jesse Kirkwood
Publisher: MacLehose Press
Number of Pages: 160
ISBN: 978-1529427684
Date Published: May. 9, 2024
Price: INR 334

Book Review

Nanae Aoyama’s “A Perfect Day to Be Alone“, translated by Jesse Kirkwood, captures a year in the life of Chizu Mita, a young woman who relocates to Tokyo after her mother moves to China for a job. The novel begins with Chizu navigating from the train station to her new home, which she will share with 71-year-old Ginko Ogino, a distant relative. Their relationship is initially strained, reflecting their vast age difference and differing life perspectives.

The setting is a small house near a train station, where Ginko’s self-sufficient lifestyle contrasts sharply with Chizu’s uncertain and aimless approach to adulthood. The year unfolds with Chizu taking on various part-time jobs and engaging in lackluster relationships, all while attempting to forge a connection with Ginko. Despite their time together, the bond between them remains tenuous and doesn’t evolve into a deep friendship. This stands as an appreciation of Aoyama’s realistic portrayal of human interactions.

While the publicity blurb compares “A Perfect Day to Be Alone” to Sayaka Murata’s Convenience Store Woman, such a comparison seems misaligned. Aoyama’s novel lacks the humor and bite of Murata’s work, instead offering a mundane yet deliberate narrative that mirrors Chizu’s stagnation. The novel explores themes of existential angst and the societal pressures on young adults, particularly young women in Japan, as Chizu navigates her aimless life in Tokyo. The book’s final chapter, with Chizu reflecting on her year and preparing to move on, leaves readers contemplating the uncertainties and possibilities that lie ahead for her.

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Aoyama skillfully contrasts the lives of different generations through Chizu, her mother, and Ginko. Chizu’s mother, rejuvenated by her new life in China, occasionally appears, underscoring the different paths life can take. Meanwhile, Ginko, despite her age, leads a fulfilling life, highlighting Chizu’s struggle with purpose and connection. The novel’s strength lies in these juxtapositions, offering a nuanced exploration of age, independence, and societal expectations.

The novel’s deliberate pace and unlikable protagonist may not appeal to all readers, but Aoyama’s keen observations on contemporary Japanese culture and the broader social issues of coming-of-age provide much to ponder. Ultimately, “A Perfect Day to Be Alone” is a contemplative read.

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