Sputnik Sweetheart
by
Haruki Murakami
The plot features three main characters: Sumire, Miu, and 'K'.
The novel's protagonist, Sumire, is an aspiring writer who survives on a family stipend and the creative input of her only friend, the novel's male narrator, 'K'. 'K' is an elementary school teacher, 25 years old, and in love with Sumire, though she does not quite share his feelings. At a wedding, Sumire meets an Ethnic Korean woman, Miu. The two strike up a conversation and Sumire starts to work for the older, married woman. Over time, she realises that she is attracted to her, and thus, that she might be a homosexual. Miu tends to encourage Sumire's quest for companionship and even intimacy, though she suggests a more realistic estimation of the younger woman's aspirations and ideals.
Miu proposes that Sumire accompany her on a business trip to France. Sumire obliges her. In France, they meet a gifted British writer who suggests the two women make use of his vacant house on a Greek Island. Miu takes Sumire to Greece and their relationship blossoms. They bathe in the nude and reveal deep-seated secrets with one another. One of these secrets involves an incident that Miu believed fractured her spirit.
The next night, Sumire makes sexual advances that Miu does not respond to appropriately. Her lack of excitement disenchants the younger woman, who goes back to her own bed. The following morning, Miu discovers that Sumire is missing. She telephones 'K' and asks him to fly out to Greece, to help find his friend. 'K' obliges but their extensive efforts to locate Sumire are unsuccessful.
With the new school season approaching, 'K' and Miu return to Japan separately. 'K' goes about returning to his old life. He never hears from Miu again, despite her promising to keep in touch.
As with other Murakami works, Sputnik Sweetheart lacks a clear, concise ending. If the plot is to be taken literally, devoid of subjective interpretation, then one night, out of the blue, Sumire calls 'K' and tells him that she is back in Japan. She conveys that she is ready to reciprocate his feelings, and asks him to pick her up at the same phone booth she always called him from.
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