Set in the coastal town of Kamakura, this quietly compelling novel introduces us to Shota, a young literature student whose comfortable life is abruptly upended when his parents can no longer support him financially. Resourceful and determined, Shota takes on a series of odd jobs to cover his rent, meals, and daily needs.

When his friend Ben tells him about a house-sitting opportunity for a wealthy family’s summer home, Shota seizes the chance to avoid eviction, and soon finds himself in the orbit of Mrs. Oda, the enigmatic owner of the house.

As he juggles his responsibilities and adapts to this new arrangement, Shota clings to his deepest aspiration: becoming a writer. He begins work on a novel titled Madame Ajisaï, a story about a young music student who falls in love with his older, alluring teacher. But is Shota merely inventing, or revealing something of himself? And what lies behind his choice of title?

Uncover the delicate threads of Shota’s journey in this introspective, coming-of-age tale by Aki Shimazaki, a fleeting yet resonant literary voyage through modern Japan.

Ajisaï by Aki Shimazaki, Actes Sud édition.

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Raïssa Djouad

Raïssa is an intern at Albertine Books and a student at Université Grenoble Alpes where she is wrapping up a masters degree in book publishing. She reads across boundaries, enjoying everything from fiction, to non-fiction, children's books, graphic novels and the occasional romance novel. When she's not reading, she dabbles in poetry and film photography.

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