Akiho Yoshizawa, the novel by acclaimed author Kiyomi Mori, is a poignant tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of post-war Japan, the story follows the life of Akiho, a young woman struggling to come to terms with the trauma inflicted upon her by the devastating tumultuous years.

Akiho’s life is marked by the brutal loss of her childhood sweetheart, fallen in the final days of the Second World War. Tormented by the memories of their all-too-brief time together and haunted by the feelings of guilt and abandonment that plague her, Akiho finds solace in the beauty and serenity of classical music – an escape from the darkness that threatens to engulf her.

As the story unfolds, Akiho’s passion for music grows, first through her innate abilities as a pianist and then her devoted study under the apprenticeship of a veteran master. As she masters the intricate nuances of Chopin and Debussy, she grows into a confident young woman, adept at navigating the complexities of her emotions.

Throughout Akiho’s journey, her relationships with those around her hold significant importance – her kinship with Isaka, a kindred violinist that shares her kind emotions and understanding of her inner world, and the rigid Mother who can connect with the conservative sensibilities of neighbours and family worried about Akiho’s ‘deviant’ motivations for studying the music of Europe.

In “Akiho Yoshizawa”, Kiyomi Mori masterfully navigates the intricate landscape of human emotions, crafting a powerful narrative that reverberates with compassion, empathy, and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of art to heal even the most gaping of wounds.