Rating: 
Summary: This book is not a work of fiction!
Review: This book hides a very strong punch behind a soft and vulnerable "heroine" who has been relegated to janotorial work after a series of "mistakes". Her tormentor is non other than Miss Mori whom she appears to love. That professed love allows her to observe Mori albeit lovingly, in the most unforgiving light! Are the "mistakes" made by our "heroine" as simple and innocent as she would have us believe? Is it okay in the western world to just sit on a given task for weeks and admit only on the last day that you cannot do it. Rather than show sympathy or guilt for the fact that somone else has to do the job, can one blame the supervisor for deriving sadistic pleasure in making you admit that you cannot do it? Having read this book, someone please tell me why "orientals" should not mistrust "westerners"!! I am surprised by the prizes this book has won in France. I guess, it is a feel-good book for people who read only to reinforce their existing prejudices. I cannot give it a zero star, hence 1 star!
Rating: 
Summary: A Scathing Portrait of Modern Japan; A Love Letter to Fubuki
Review: This little book, a portrait of a foreigner (named Amelie) working in a Japanese corporation, has some extremely powerful writing. The book's main focus is on Amelie's boss, Fubuki Mori, a brilliant, ambitious, beautiful woman who is perfectly drawn. Nothomb is obviously in love with her, and her passion is contagious. Though I give the book only 4 stars, I give Fubuki Mori 5 (make that 10). She is a wonderful character and I only wish Nothomb gave us more of her. By showing the humiliations and sufferings Fubuki has to endure as a single Japanese woman, Nothomb makes a (for me) unforgettable indictment of Japanese culture. Ms. Mori, if I wasn't already married, I'd grab you in a heartbeat. Thanks, Ms. Nothomb, for introducing me to her.
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