This is a unique and imaginative novel that tells the story of Rika Horauchi, a reserved young woman who takes on an unconventional part-time job at a museum. Her role is to engage in Latin conversations with a statue of Venus, who miraculously comes to life during the museum’s closing hours. The narrative is a captivating blend of charm, humor, emotional depth, and strong feminist themes.
Rika leads a quiet, unassuming life, sharing her apartment building with her demanding yet likable landlady, Seriko. Her primary job involves working at a cold-storage warehouse, where employees must take regular breaks to avoid falling ill from the sub-zero temperatures. In her free time, she watches live webcam feeds from around the world. However, her life takes a fascinating turn when she is offered a new part-time job, drawing on her unique ability to speak Latin.
Rika’s proficiency in Latin stems from her time studying abroad in Finland and honing her skills in a one-on-one Latin conversation class at her university in Japan. As Rika and the Venus statue get to know each other, a profound bond develops, blending intellectual and physical attraction through their enigmatic and intimate conversations. This connection even culminates in a unique form of intimacy where Rika simply closes her eyes and feels Venus “wash over her.” However, trouble arises when Rika discovers the possessive and controlling male curator, Hashibami, speaking to the statue as if she belongs only to him. This situation prompts Rika to devise a plan to liberate Venus from the museum, leading to a dramatic showdown involving Hashibami and the other statues in the room.
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