I bought a book in London between 2002 and 2004. It had been translated into Engish from Japanese (if I remember correctly), definitely written by a Japanese woman, published by a British publisher with a title that contained the word "Bolshevik."

The book's primary plot involved two Japanese women -- one was younger with a lack of confidence and suicidal tendencies; one was older, beautiful, accomplished and loved by the younger woman. Part of the plot involved the younger woman's unrequited lesbian overtures toward the older woman (if I remember correctly).

The book's final chapters were set in Greece - I remember distinctly one of the characters having a difficult time walking/crawling on the rocky coast of a Greek Island.

I remember that I liked this book and want to recommend it to a friend's daughter for her IB English World Literature requirement.

Please send me the title if you know or recall this book. Thanks so much!

Nancy