A scene from a book

It’s 1999.

Imagine you’re an insecure, failed writer in her mid twenties who has fallen hopelessly love with her boss; who is a wine importer in Japan that usually drives a green, V12 Jaguar. She’s 17 years older than you, and married.

You’re with her on a business trip in Italy. Since you can’t drive stick, she’s driving you in a blue, rental Alfa Romeo from Milan to Rome, and you’re captivated by the way she takes all of the corners on the mountain roads.

I have no clue what Alfa Romeo Murakami had in mind, but that scene must’ve been one of the more touching car-involving scenes I’ve read.