Frankie recommends... Strange Weather in Tokyo - Hiromi Murakami

Frankie recommends... A story of the blossoming relationship between an irritatingly demure teacher and his gauche and maladroit former student. While she stumbles through an uncertain start in adulthood, the consistency of the bond formed in the murky bars of Tokyo are elevated by a sophisticated treatment of commitment, enduring love and coincidence. Stayed with me like the buzz of a glass of wine after a long day. 

---

Tsukiko is in her late 30s and living alone when one night she happens to meet one of her former high school teachers, 'Sensei', in a bar. He is at least thirty years her senior, retired and, she presumes, a widower.

After this initial encounter, the pair continue to meet occasionally to share food and drink sake, and as the seasons pass - from spring cherry blossom to autumnal mushrooms - Tsukiko and Sensei come to develop a hesitant intimacy which tilts awkwardly and poignantly into love. Strange Weather in Tokyo is perfectly constructed, warmly funny and deeply moving.