The Letters

I chose to read this book for a project in my Young Adult Literature class and fell in love with it. The story explores six-year-old Chiaki's coping with grief, but through the memory of her older (perhaps twenty-something?) self. I had recently lost my father when I read this, and so I approached it with a slight skepticism. A young adult book dealing with death? I expected it to shy away from dealing honestly with death and emerge a shallow tale. However, I found the book to be extremely genuine. It does not wallow in despair, nor does it overlook the reality of grief. Because the story is told through an adult's recollection, the author can draw young adults without placing them directly into the mind of a six-year-old (which any adult might resist). The book deals realistically but tenderly with the ideas behind life and those who must be left behind. The writing style is thoughtful and honest, as though Chiaki regards us, the readers, as already friends. I cannot say enough but that this book should most definitely be read. This book does not coddle the audience, so it appeals to a wide range of ages. Adults will find the story engaging from its honesty, and teens will appreciate not being talked down to. Yumoto deserves every ounce of praise this book receives, and more.

This beautiful story explores the unfathomable questions and uncertainties of death that haunt those left behind through the innocent eyes of a child. While it does not seek to provide answers, it does direct the reader toward an affirmation of both the values of life, and of the compassionate actions of others. Through her memories, the main character recalls the events immediately following the death of her father, never aware that she was being caringly guided through difficult times. It is only as an adult, and even then, only in the events following the death of a remarkable and rather mysterious, old woman who befriended her as a child that she comes to understand all of these things.This is a story for teenagers or adults as it addresses some mature concepts, but always with tact or good-nature. It is difficult to believe that the text was translated from Japanese; Cathy Hirano's work here is brilliant. Some understanding of Japanese culture may help in places, but the story can be understood easily, and its meaning will not be lost.