From the bestselling author of Breasts and Eggs and international literary
sensation Mieko Kawakami, a sharp and illuminating novel about the impact
of violence and the power of solidarity in our contemporary societies.
Hailed as a bold foray into new literary territory, Kawakami's novel is
told in the voice of a 14-year-old student subjected to relentless torment
for having a lazy eye. Instead of resisting, the boy chooses to suffer in
complete resignation. The only person who understands what he is going
through is a female classmate who suffers similar treatment at the hands of
her tormenters. These raw and realistic portrayals of bullying are
counterbalanced by textured exposition of the philosophical and religious
debates concerning violence to which the weak are subjected. Kawakami's
simple yet profound new work stands as a dazzling testament to her literary
talent. There can be little doubt that it has cemented her reputation as
one of the most important young authors working to expand the boundaries of
contemporary Japanese literature. "One of Japan's brightest stars is set to
explode across the global skies of literature."--Japan Times