Imprint
- Phoenix
Japan, Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945)
Brief Encounter set in contemporary Tokyo -- a funny, sharp and moving story of modern love from a writer to watch
'The perfect marriage of Sally Rooney and early Murakami' Kathy Wang, author of Impostor Syndrome
Mizuki is a Japanese housewife. She has a hardworking husband, two adorable children and a beautiful Tokyo apartment. It's everything a woman like her could want . . . isn't it?
One rainy night, she meets Kiyoshi. In him, she rediscovers freedom, friendship, a voice, and the neon, electric pulse of the city she has always loved. But the further she falls into their relationship, the clearer it becomes that she is living two lives - and in the end, we can choose only one.
'A brilliant modern love story . . . atmospheric and transporting but also wise, clever and universal in its exploration of love, family and identity. I loved it' Cathy Rentzenbrink
Praise for Fault Lines: Shortlisted for the 2021 Costa First Novel Award
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A brilliant modern love story. I found it atmospheric and transporting but also wise, clever and universal in its exploration of love, family and identity. I loved it. - Cathy Rentzenbrink, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Last Act of Love
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This delicate and beautiful love story will fill your heart... Short, emotional and very funny, Emily Itami's debut is an unmissable treat for romantics everywhere. - STYLIST
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An addictive and beautiful novel with a fantastic voice, full of wry humour and sharp observations. It's funny and tragic, passionate and bold, and I know I'll be thinking about it for a long time to come. - Kate Murray-Browne, author of The Upstairs Room
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Itami captures the magic of Tokyo and makes it part of the couple's relationship, complete with cherry blossoms, tiny bars and excellent food... it punches above its weight in its themes and the maturity with which it examines them, such as how love intertwines with or comes up against duty, and the feeling of having lost a part of oneself. Although she situates these ideas in a very specific social context, Itami manages to make them universal. - I NEWSPAPER
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An utterly accomplished novel that navigates the inner yearnings of the heart in stylish, sparky and engrossing prose. I absolutely loved it - Megan Bradbury, author of Everyone Is Watching
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Exploring motherhood and Japanese culture, I found this a fascinating and insightful read. - PRIMA
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A lyrical story about love and a fascinating look at the collision of old and new traditions in modern Tokyo. - RED
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Atmospheric - NEW! MAGAZINE
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