Friday, 18 December 2020

A Cup of Salt Tears - Book Review

 

A Cup of Salt Tears
by Isabel Yap

What is it about:
Makino’s mother taught her caution, showed her how to carve her name into cucumbers, and insisted that she never let a kappa touch her. But when she grows up and her husband Tetsuya falls deathly ill, a kappa that claims to know her comes calling with a barbed promise. “A Cup of Salt Tears” is a dark fantasy leaning towards horror that asks how much someone should sacrifice for the one she loves.

What did I think of it:
This is a beautifully sad short story.

Makino seeks some solace and solitude at the bathhouse after caring for and worrying about her dying husband all day, but is visited by a kappa who makes some enticing promises.

I loved the atmosphere and mood in this story. Makino's emotions are understated, under the surface, but definitely there. As the kappa makes his promises she'll have to make a choice and find out if she can live with that choice.

All in all a lovely, sad story.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful short story about love and grief.


buy from amazon

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