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Child of Fortune

Navigating motherhood and identity in contemporary society

Yuko Tsushima author Geraldine Harcourt translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:2nd Aug '18

Should be back in stock very soon

This paperback is available in another edition too:

Child of Fortune cover

This haunting novel explores the life of a single mother navigating her relationship with her daughter amid unexpected challenges in Child of Fortune.

In Child of Fortune, Koko is a woman who refuses to conform to societal expectations. She has chosen to raise her eleven-year-old daughter on her own, navigating the complexities of single motherhood in a world that often judges. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a casual affair leads to another pregnancy, prompting her to confront the implications this will have on her relationship with her daughter. As Koko grapples with her new reality, she is haunted by memories of her own childhood, filled with loss and longing, which threaten to overwhelm her.

The narrative unfolds in a dreamlike manner, blending the beauty and discomfort of Koko's internal struggles. The author, Yuko Tsushima, known for her insightful exploration of the female psyche, delves deep into Koko's fears and desires, creating a rich tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers. The relationship between mother and daughter is portrayed with raw honesty, reflecting the challenges and joys of their bond amidst the chaos of life.

Child of Fortune is more than just a story of motherhood; it is a poignant exploration of identity, resilience, and the enduring impact of past traumas. Tsushima's work remains relevant, offering a powerful reflection on the complexities of womanhood and the choices that shape our destinies.

A classic novel as relevant today as when it was published nearly 40 years ago . . . at once powerfully uplifting and achingly sad, Geraldine Harcourt's elegant translation captures Tsushima's poignant wisdom on the female struggle with societal expectations.—Japan Times

depicts the multiple layers of a woman's consciousness, her fears and longings, her willingness to endure suffering yet resistance to pressures to conform.—The Mountain is Moving

ISBN: 9780241335031

Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 10mm

Weight: 126g

160 pages