The writing and the atmosphere was beautiful, but... I think I lost a bit of patience with the story. Kei is wondering whatever happened to her husband, Rei, why he just disappeared so many years ago. I can respect how someone can be weighed down with thoughts after something like that. It feels like she doesn't _do_ anything. She seems to want things to happen without her having to lift a finger. OK she does go to Manazuru, but she also seems to go with the flow, so to speak, even letting the woman spirit decide when she should go.

By the way, I think the whole thing with spirits could be odd to someone reading Japanese literature for the very first time. I am no expert, but I have a feeling that this is a cultural thing and is not at all out of place. I base this on other Japanese fiction and non-fiction stories I have read where many people would not blink if you said you spoke to a spirit. I assume it is also a way for Kei to talk to herself and toss ideas around, although this woman spirit definitely has her own history and is not Kei.

All in all, I feel something was lacking. The writing was lovely, I was motivated to read on even though movement felt a bit slow. But I feel a bit "meh" after finishing it.