100% NZ-owned | All books ship from NZ 📚

The Man with the Compound Eyes

A novel from the Vintage Earth collection
Series: Vintage Earth
3.84 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 3,081 ratings, 462 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Man with the Compound Eyes by Wu Ming-Yi weaves an enthralling tale set on a remote island threatened by an enormous trash vortex from the Pacific. The narrative intertwines the lives of Atile'i, a young man from a sea-bound tribe, and Alice, a grieving woman living in seclusion. As their worlds converge, they embark on a journey of discovery, addressing themes of environmental issues, culture, and human connection.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2600
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 2-3 weeks
Add to Wishlist

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy immersive tales where ecological complexity meets human resilience. Set on an island facing environmental collapse, it weaves together global myth and personal stories, creating a tapestry of hope and survival with a touch of magical realism. If you’re drawn to narratives exploring the intersection between nature and humanity, you'll find this read both thought-provoking and captivating.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The Man with the Compound Eyes

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

VINTAGE EARTH - A series of transformative novels with the environment at their heart.

'You must love the land, my children, and ring it in with your love'

On the island of Wayo Wayo, every second son must leave on the day he turns fifteen as a sacrifice to the Sea God. Atile'i, however, is determined to defy destiny and become the first to survive. Across the sea, Alice Shih's life is interrupted when a vast trash vortex comes crashing onto the shore of Taiwan, bringing Atile'i with it.

In the aftermath of the catastrophe, Atile'i and Alice retrace her late husband's footsteps into the mountains, hoping to solve the mystery of her son's disappearance. On their journey, memories will be challenged, an unusual bond formed, and a dark secret uncovered that will force Alice to question everything she thought she knew.

'A haunting and evocative tale, beautifully told. I wept at the description of the dying whales and the approaching tsunami... I think this work will be a classic' Hugh Howey, author of Wool

VINTAGE EARTH is a series of books that reveals our ever-changing relationship with the environment. These are stories old and young, set in worlds real or imagined, that allow us to explore our connection to the natural world. Transformative, wild, surprising and essential, these novels take on the most urgent story of our times.

Series: Vintage Earth

View all

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Man with the Compound Eyes is praised for its haunting and evocative storytelling, with descriptions that are both moving and beautiful. Reviewers have noted its astonishing and imaginative narrative, drawing comparisons to Haruki Murakami for its seamless blend of different realms. The novel is recognised for its unique and tender exploration of human and environmental vulnerability, promising to resonate widely with readers.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784877903

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 July 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 253g

Pages: 368

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

About the Author

Wu Ming-Yi is a Taiwanese writer, painter, designer, photographer, literary professor, butterfly scholar, environmental activist, traveller and blogger. He is the author of the novel Routes in the Dream (2007), as well as a number of non-fiction books and short story collections. The Man with the Compound Eyes is his first novel to be translated into English. Darryl Sterk has translated numerous short stories from Taiwan for The Chinese Pen Quarterly, and now teaches translation in the Graduate Program in Translation and Interpretation at National Taiwan University.

More from General Fiction

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 20,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Pick Ups

Auckland Pick Ups

We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

header_image
5.0
845 reviews
carlene O_image
7 hours ago
Verified
Easy ordering, quick and direct correspondence. Ordered my books wednesday afternoon and arrived Thursday morning. 100% on service thank you
Vicky Z_image
7 hours ago
Verified
Great selection of books and really fast response time to any queries! Happy to support a local bookseller, definitely would recommend!
Rakeeb H_image
12 hours ago
Verified
Quick online purchase journey and easy pick up instructions. Love their box set range too.
Vanessa M_image
2 days ago
Verified
This is how orders made online should be like - easy as ordering and delivered to my door super quick. They make it their thing to get it to you as soon as you make your order.
heather J_image
2 days ago
Verified
Very happy with last purchase. Book arrived overnight.
Bill H_image
4 days ago
Verified
Great service. Arrived very quickly. Totally recommend