So many factors make this one difficult to assess/rate. It's translated from a language and culture about which I know essentially nothing. I believe I understand the point the author is making. What I don't understand is how it's being received by so many reviewers. I don't see this as a fun, quirky read—Keiko is mightily abused and oppressed. While there is some dark humor (one of my faves), overwhelmingly, the book is bleak. [3-]