Review of A Tiny Speck of Black and Then Nothing by Emily Midorikawa

I love anything Japanese so I was so excited to read this book. Set in Osaka, we follow the story of Anna as she ventures into a new lift teaching at a Japanese school in Osaka. Old wounds from a vanished mother rise to the surface as she searches for her missing friend, Loll.

The story builds around you, creating a rich world of people struggling to make lives and friendships for themselves, against the dark backdrop of the world of hostessing and the yakuza.

The unfurling of the secret is brilliant and I loved reading how the stories tied in together, leaving a satisfying ending, and yet still leaving me with unanswered questions. The inclusion of Japanese mythology, folklore and traditions deepens the richness of the world. The writing is beautiful throughout, building tension that pulled me further and further into the story.

Published on 23.07.2026 by Manilla

Reviewed by Rebecca