First published in Japan in 1998 and widely read since, Eto Mori's novel follows a soul who must inhabit the body of a 14-year-old boy who has just committed suicide. Living in the boy's reanimated body, the soul becomes close to the boy's family and the people around him, shedding light on the misunderstandings that led to this fatal act.
Mori's award-winning novel will inspire and engage teens to look at their life from a new perspective ... A good addition to any collection, especially one where translations are popular.
... a classic. Issues challenging Japanese teens then—'Bullying. Dropping out. Suicide.'—continue to find international resonance as, nimbly translated by Allen, the best-seller’s arrival marks Mori’s stateside debut ... the novel has spawned films, anime, manga, and more. It’s also saved lives—undoubtedly storytelling’s superpower.
Naoki Prize winner Mori tackles a fraught topic with empathy, humor, and grace. The soul’s wry narration keeps the tone light while the simple yet powerful plot beautifully illustrates the impact that perspective can have on one’s mental health. An uplifting tale about the kaleidoscopic nature of the human soul.
