Book Review : Ms Ice Sandwich - Mieko Kawakami
Translated by Louise Heal Kawai
This novella follows an unnamed fourth grader who has an unexplainable crush on an unusual-looking woman who sells sandwiches in a supermarket. He is particularly drawn to her dramatic eyes, which she paints ice blue every day, hence he gives her the nickname Ms. Ice Sandwich. Throughout summer he visits the supermarket every day and observes her from a distance and is fascinated with her aloofness and unflinching attitude towards any rude customers. Soon the rumors spread about the peculiar appearance of Ms. Ice Sandwich is the result of plastic surgery gone wrong, and with that, the young boy distances himself from his fascination and starts to form a strong friendship with his lonely classmate nicknamed Tutti.
Beyond this naive infatuation story, there are themes of love, loss, family bonding, friendship, and loneliness thrown in for good measure making it a contemplative read. We are given a glimpse of life in a single-parent household in a small neighborhood and how the young boy matures eventually to close the gap between the people whom he loves.
Although emotive, the story doesn't come across as sentimental. It is deftly written and throughout the story, Kawakami emphasizes the difficulties of the characters in conveying their desire to belong. The book is a delightful and hopeful tale of acceptance, and realization to let go of things to move on in life. The translator does a brilliant job of keeping the emotional nuances intact and the story flows effortlessly.
This tiny novella can be read in a single sitting and I bet it wouldn't disappoint you.
-Preethi