Fault Lines

Mizuki appears to have it all: a dedicated husband, two lovely children, and a picturesque apartment in the heart of Tokyo. Her life exudes perfection, but beneath the surface, she is grappling with a deep sense of unfulfillment. Feeling trapped in her domestic existence, Mizuki yearns for a connection that reignites her spirit and reminds her of who she truly is.

One serendipitous, rainy night, Mizuki encounters Kiyoshi. What begins as a chance meeting soon develops into a profound bond, filling her world with newfound freedom, friendship, and a rediscovered passion for the city's vibrant energy. Through Kiyoshi, Mizuki rediscovers her voice and the buzzing, electrifying pulse of Tokyo that she once cherished.

However, as Mizuki becomes more entwined with this new life, the tension between her dual existence becomes impossible to ignore. She is caught between the responsibilities of her family and the allure of a life that offers genuine self-expression and autonomy. Ultimately, Mizuki faces an inevitable choice, one that will define her future and ask her to reconcile her competing desires.

Emily Itami's debut novel is celebrated for its atmospheric storytelling and profound emotional insights. Fault Lines delves into themes of love, family, and identity with a narrative that is both universal and deeply intimate.

"The perfect marriage of Sally Rooney and early Murakami" — Kathy Wang, author of Impostor Syndrome

"A brilliant modern love story . . . atmospheric and transporting but also wise, clever and universal in its exploration of love, family, and identity. I loved it." — Cathy Rentzenbrink