Tsutomu Yoshioka, an ordinary, unstudious college student in Tokyo, meets Mitsu Morita, a factory worker from the countryside, seduces her, and then leaves and shuns her. But something in her character makes him never forget her: She is always willing to help people in need of spiritual comfort. After he graduates he goes on to a medium-sized company and starts rising up the ranks aided by his real relationship with Mariko Miura, the chairman's niece and ironically, a former friend to Mitsu. At the same time, Mitsu's mysterious spot on the wrist (which Yoshioka first saw during sex with her) is diagnosed as leprosy and she is sent to a leprosarium in the backwoods... When told, Yoshioka feels his guilt at abandoning her... Can he earn forgiveness and redemption from her, even if they never meet again?
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This book sends a powerful message into the heart of its readers: anyone you think is weak and useless can prove to be a great friend and savior. Shusaku Endo was raised Catholic and his theme can be deduced from reading his works.
The review of this Book prepared by Sergio Mendoza
