Fault Lines by Emily Itami

There are fault lines in every marriage. Little stress fractures that given the right circumstances can build into a giant sink hole if the big one comes along. Mizuki is the picture of a modern Tokyo housewife with two beautiful children and a successful husband. She loves her children and appreciates the life her husband's hard work is providing but wants more out her day than laundry, food prep and kid entertainment. One night it is too much and she explores the city alone. She meets a man who offers her conversation, is interested in her as a thinking person and makes her laugh. These meetings continue making the fault line widen wondering if the big one comes what direction she will take or if the foundation will hold. Emily Itami gives us a glimpse into the life of many Tokyo women who constantly straddle the division between old world views of marriage and home life and the lure of freedom that a modern environment promises. She has written a story that women around the world can relate to and a charming love letter to her native Tokyo full of fabulous sights, food and customs.  4 stars