The Translation of Love
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Transworld Publishers Ltd
Published:2nd Jun '16
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
A deeply touching, powerful debut about a young girl searching for her sister amongst the Ginza bars of post-war Tokyo.
Publisher's Weekly
During the American occupation, the citizens of Japan were encouraged to write to General MacArthur – “if you have a problem, write a letter, this is what democracy means” – and so write they did.
WINNER OF THE KOBO EMERGING WRITERS PRIZE FOR LITERARY FICTION
LONGLISTED FOR THE HWA AWARDS DEBUT CROWN
"The Translation of Love is sweepingly gorgeous book about two little girls, and their heart-stopping search for a lost sister in the underbelly of Tokyo. From the desperate clutch of friendship in the time of tumult, to the bustling night markets and brothels - every brutal, moving moment is beautifully wrought. An incredible debut." Lisa Gabriele, author of 'Tempting Faith DiNapoli'
"An epic tale of defeat, despair and redemption ... a beautiful debut." Toronto Star
"Conjures the voices of an agonised time with elegant simplicity and moments of indelible poignancy." New York Times
"Kutsukake’s moving debut focuses on the intertwining stories of several protagonists in post–World War II Tokyo… The result is a memorable story of hope and loneliness with a cathartic ending." Publisher's Weekly
During the American occupation, the citizens of Japan were encouraged to write to General MacArthur – “if you have a problem, write a letter, this is what democracy means” – and so write they did. MacArthur received over 500,000 letters, letters of entreaty, rage, gratitude, complaint, even adoration.
Twelve-year-old Fumi Tanaka has a problem – her beautiful and beloved older sister, Sumiko, has disappeared. Determined to find her, Fumi enlists the help of her new classmate Aya, forcibly repatriated with her father from Canada after the war. Together, they write to MacArthur and deliver their letter into the reluctant hands of Corporal Matt Matsumoto, a Japanese-American GI whose job it is to translate the endless letters.
When weeks pass and they hear nothing from Matt, the girls take matters into their own hands, venturing into the dark and dangerous world of the black market and dancehalls. They're unaware that their teacher, Kondo Sensei, moonlights as a translator of love letters, and that he holds the key to Sumiko's safe return.
The heart-warming story of a young girl’s quest . . . A marvellous tale, poignant and beautifully written * Lesley Downer, author of 'Geisha' and 'The Last Concubine' *
An epic tale of defeat, despair and redemption ... Kutsukake artfully paints a picture of a country haunted by trauma, but nevertheless moving forward and learning to find joy in life once again. Richly researched and deeply moving - a beautiful debut. * Toronto Star *
Conjures the voices of an agonised time with elegant simplicity and moments of indelible poignancy. * New York Times *
Kutsukake’s moving debut novel focuses on the intertwining stories of several protagonists in post–World War II Tokyo…consistently engaging…The result is a memorable story of hope and loneliness with a cathartic ending * Publisher's Weekly *
The Translation of Love is sweepingly gorgeous book about post-war Japan, a shattered country trying to piece itself back together. It begins with a letter passed to General MacArthur by two little girls, and ends with a heart-stopping search for a lost sister in the underbelly of Tokyo. From the desperate clutch of friendship in the time of tumult, to the bustling night markets and brothels - every brutal, moving moment is beautifully wrought in Lynne Kutsukake's expert hands. An incredible debut. * Lisa Gabriele, author of 'Tempting Faith DiNapoli' *
Lynne Kutsukake paints a vivid portrait of the American Occupation of Japan in The Translation of Love and keenly tackles the layered complexities of national identities in flux: Japanese, Canadian, and American. At the heart of this book is a young girl's page-turning quest to find her missing sister, and a touching, masterfully-woven tale of bystanders who cannot look away. * Suzanne Rindell, author of 'The Other Typist' *
Kutsukake is an accomplished writer, adroitly handing the dark effects of discrimination, hunger, poverty, and disease after the war ... the novel is an engaging and compelling read. * Asian Review *
A story of nationality and identity, family and friendship, love and loss….Through this coming-of-age tale Japanese Canadian Kutsukake, a former librarian, offers a fresh perspective on life in postwar Japan. An excellent choice for readers who loved Jamie Ford’s The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. * Library Journal *
Lynne Kutsukake is a beautiful writer. The Translation of Love is shaped by her spare and elegant prose into an accomplished and powerful story. * Helen Humphreys, author of 'Coventry' *
An evocative and compelling tale of friendship, family and a country in transition. Lynne Kutsukake’s novel is an elegantly crafted reminder that no one is left untouched by the ripple effects of war, and that our quests for outside truths can often lead us to secrets we’ve been keeping from ourselves. * Sarah Bird, author of 'Above the East China Sea' and 'The Yokota Officers Club' *
- Winner of Canada-Japan Literary Award 2016 (UK)
ISBN: 9781784161149
Dimensions: 198mm x 127mm x 27mm
Weight: 294g
432 pages