I enjoyed this book because even though the main character is an old lady, some of her struggles felt relatable to me. This little book revolves around Mathea, a very lonely elderly woman who strugles with an internal conflict: she desperately wants connection with others but is too afraid to initiate it. Mathea avoids real-life interactions, spending most of her time in solitude , at home knitting, watching TV, and reading obituaries. She fears people, yet also fears dying unnoticed, without leaving a mark. She craves even the smallest interaction, wearing a watch just in case someone asks for the time or stocking up on sugar in case a neighbor asks to borrow some. She longs to join community gatherings, bringing rolls and jam, but is paralyzed by the fear of judgment and uncertainty about how to act.

While I appreciated the book, I would have given it a higher rating if not for the writing style of and lack of a plot. Sometimes, it was hard to know when I was reading the present events and when it's Mathea's memories. I found the first half of the book more engaging than the second, as it became somewhat repetitive, and not much was happening. However, the very last pages broke my heart.

Nevertheless, I still recommend this book and “meeting” Mathea, who is an odd and quirky character. The book is quite short, and even though it explores topics like old age and loneliness, it has funny moments.