At the End of the Matinee: a lyrical love story

At the End of the Matinee by Keiichiro Hirano, translated by Juliet Winters Carpenter is an extraordinary love story. Classical guitarist Satoshi Makino has toured the world and after one particular concert in Tokyo, he lays eyes on journalist Yoko Komine. Their bond is instantaneous. They begin a conversation that would go on for years through phone calls and emails. Even when they had spells of silence, they would always pick up where they left off. Makino is drawn to her refinement and intellect and she is drawn to his sensitivity and tenderness he displays through his music. But both of them are unfamiliar with love to see it blooming and lack the confidence to make the first move. Like the notes on the page and the duet of instruments in a symphony, they seem to be drawn together in a melody only they can hear. Will their love endure or will fate keep them apart?

At the End of the Matinee is a lovely, thought-provoking love story. I enjoyed the poetic and lyrical love story that Makino and Yoko engage in. It had the highs and lows and sweeping movements of a great symphony. It is a slow read as the author’s words describe the beautiful dance that these two seem to be a part of. The two meet late in their lives when their lives are centered around their careers and thoughts of love seem like a distant, foolhardy dream. But love can spring up at any moment. At the End of the Matinee is not a traditional romance that I am most familiar with but I enjoyed the connection Makino and Yoko have and the honesty and openness they have with each other. They discuss many serious topics such as war, PTSD and the lonely side of music. It is a beautiful story.  I recommend At the End of the Matinee. 

At the End of the Matinee is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook.