This week, Joey, Colin, and Jennifer discuss: “The Door Between Us,” by Mako Kawakami, from The New Yorker’s Summer Flash Fiction series. The story delves into themes of isolation, connection, and loneliness through the portrayal of two neighbors living in mirrored apartments who have never met but share a profound bond of solitude.

Our Thoughts

Colin reflects on how the story resonated with him because of his personal experience in Japan. He describes the story’s setting as a small, almost dilapidated apartment in a rural area, emphasizing the loneliness epidemic that exists in Japan. Colin draws connections between the mirrored apartments and the way the two characters reflect each other’s loneliness.

“This is a story about two people who share a bond of loneliness. They live in mirrored apartments, and the protagonist wonders if her neighbor is doing the exact same thing she is doing—washing dishes or living in this isolated way.”
— Colin

Jennifer appreciates the story’s ambiguity and its ability to leave questions unanswered. She highlights the regret felt by the younger woman regarding her mother’s death, and how the story plays with the idea of projection—the younger woman fears becoming the older neighbor if her life doesn’t change.

“The ambiguous ending made the story richer. When she heard the knock back, was it solidarity, or was it annoyance? It leaves you wondering about what could have happened between these two lonely souls.”
— Jennifer

Joey connects with the story’s portrayal of disconnection and isolation but points out a moment of discomfort with the description of the neighbor as “Tubby.” He explores the cultural context of the story being Japanese, which may reflect different societal norms, but expresses how such descriptions can still feel off-putting in literature.

“I think the story did a good job of showing how disconnection can be portrayed even through something as simple as a knock on the wall. But the fatphobic depiction of the neighbor made it hard for me to fully enjoy the story.”
— Joey

Key Themes

• Isolation and Loneliness: The story deeply explores the emotional isolation of both the protagonist and her neighbor, who live side by side yet remain strangers.
• Projection and Identity: There’s an underlying theme of the protagonist projecting her own fears onto her neighbor, wondering if she’ll end up in the same situation.
• Cultural Context and Norms: The story touches on societal norms in Japan regarding loneliness, aging, and even descriptions of physical appearance.

Conclusion

Joey, Colin, and Jennifer wrap up their discussion by reflecting on the powerful emotional impact of Kawakami’s “The Door Between Us.” The story’s ambiguity, its subtle exploration of loneliness, and its cultural layers give it a haunting quality. The unanswered questions about connection, identity, and isolation leave a lasting impression.