I make a mistake. I didn't expect that it was such a lengthy book. I feel discouraged to keep going. Thus I make a painful decision to DNF it. It may be a great book but due to the problem on my behalf, I couldn't continue.

"Kanazawa", by David Joiner was my second pick for #januaryinjapan. While not a book translated from Japanese, "Kanazawa", is set in Japan, and exudes the tranquility that many lovers of Japanese literature look for in their book selections.

The story follows Emmitt, an American ex-pat living with his Japanese wife, Mirai, and her family in Kanazawa, Japan. Emmitt and Mirai's marriage starts to crumble when they realize that their dreams for the future are no longer following the same path. Emmitt, a lover of slow, old Japanese living, wants to invest time and money in buying a machiya, an old, traditional Japanese house in Kanazawa. He cannot see himself and his family anywhere else. Mirai, though once having shared the same dream, becomes more attracted to the idea of building a life in Tokyo, and craves the busy, city life. More than just the story of a marriage at a crossroads though, the book focuses more on Emmitt's perspective, as he questions his life purpose.

The setting of the novel, the city of Kanazawa and its surroundings, is beautiful. In fact, this is the first literary novel available in English that is set in this particular location in Japan. While reading it, I caught myself multiple times grabbing my phone to look for pictures of the locations described. Kanazawa has definitely made it on my to visit list for when I eventually visit Japan.

Another thing that the novel did for me was pique my interest in the works of Izumi Kyoka. Kyoka is a Japanese author native to Kanazawa. In the novel, Emmitt works on translating his works and making them available to English readers in the hope that that will keep his works alive. Personally, I had never heard of Izumi Kyoka before, but now I am curious to try out his writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Stone Bridge Press for the e-arc. All opinions are my own. "Kanazawa", by David Joiner has been out since January 2022.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Lovely writing. Felt myself rooting for the family.

With Kanazawa, David Joiner delivers a slow-burning family drama reminiscent of a film by Ozu or Koreeda. This is a modern tale that, like its protagonist, keeps one foot in the past. It tells the story of Emmitt, an ex-pat, who is seeking a connection with Japan’s history and tradition. He loves the city of Kanazawa with its history and traditions intact, and he dreams of settling into a machiya, a traditional home that represents Japan’s past as well as Emmitt’s idea of his future.

While Emmitt looks to the past, his wife Mirai is more inclined toward Tokyo, where her sister is accomplishing her dreams and where Mirai hopes to recapture her own missed opportunities. For Emmitt, Tokyo represents the opposite of what he seeks. The disparity in their needs and how they seek to resolve it is at the heart of the story.

When we first meet Emmitt and Mirai, they are living an uneventful existence with his in-laws in a not-so-new but modern home. While Emmitt and Mirai are navigating their plans for their future, his in-laws are having a similar marital tug of war over their past. Slowly the older couples’ history bubbles to the surface and needs to be addressed. Climbing Mount Hakusan becomes an imperative for the father-in-law and we come to learn it is connected to his secret. The mountain journey is where the narrative unravels and is the catalyst for the characters to start untangling their problems.

This is a domestic drama on so many fronts. It is about family units, about homes, especially modern versus traditional, and about the cities that house these homes, particularly Kanazawa, Tokyo and Shiramine. Each family member is tackling at least one issue, but each is handling it in their own quiet way. This does not mean there isn’t conflict, there is, but it is muted since all four characters care deeply for one another and are navigating their issues while carefully avoiding hurting others.

Kanazawa is a gentle tale. It is not chaotic and swelling with noise or action. Each scene is quietly painted and, even in distress, holds some comfort. There is no big conflict upon which the story turns, rather, there are a series of important decisions with consequences and after each one, the characters reshuffle and readjust to the new normal. The Japanese narrative structure of Kishōtenketsu is easily recognized here by the subtle shifts and the slow evolution rather than a destructive conflict.

At the heart of these shifts is Emmitt’s search for purpose. He leaves his teaching job without lining up another position so he can find his way. When asked how he feels about the risk he has taken, he responds, “I want to branch out into something new, where I can test myself in a way I never have before. I don’t mean just a new livelihood, which is part of it, but a new way of living. … Everyone needs a sense of purpose. I had none until I quit. Risking that was no risk at all.” (pp161-162)

He finds his way through Kyōka’s literature and Kyōka’s city of Kanazawa, both of which have the power to stir within him a longing for the past. Izumi Kyōka (1873-1939) had an aversion to contemporary society of his time and Emmitt also looks to the past for meaning and purpose.
Joiner adds a layer of reading pleasure by intertwining key aspects of Kyōka’s works into his own narrative. Even I, who was only able to access a couple of Kyōka’s stories, could enjoy the homage.

Emmitt commits to the challenging project of translating Kyōka and discovers an unexpected sense of fulfillment. “The idea that writing could be sacred made Emmitt approach translating with a deeper sense of purpose. More importantly, working with Kyōka’s writing helped Emmitt feel he was evoking the past, even keeping it alive. And in doing this he realized he was finding a place for himself.” (p184) I see this reflected in Joiner’s writing as well, where he treats language as sacred and uses it with delicacy and respect.

Emmitt is trying to absorb the culture, history and literary legacy of Kanazawa. He has the benefit of the eyes of an outsider. The Japanese culture is fascinating, beautiful and long, and for a non-native, the possibilities of investigation are endless. For a life-long learner such as Emmitt, this is ideal. In the end, Emmitt concludes that he finally discovered where he stands in relation to the past. This is what he had been seeking.

This book is a reminder that there is meaning in our day to day existence. Literature of this sort encourages us to see the beauty of our mundane lives and to embrace our daily routines. Alex Kerr refers to Kanazawa as a “graceful novel of a graceful city” and indeed, it is just that.

Joiner has expressed his hopes that Kyōka’s readership spreads, that his work will not disappear. I for one, have had my interest piqued. I intend to visit Kanazawa and Shiramine. I want to read more Kyōka. And isn’t that what any author wants? To have readers think, and learn and investigate as a result of their art?

This is a very different story than the ones I usually encounter. In this narrative, our lead protagonist is an American settled in Japan with a Japanese wife and living with his in-laws. This is the basic premise, and everything that happens takes off from there.
I felt certain things were repetitive, like the protagonist commenting on his mother-in-law's figure at least three times more than required for the story. I mention this in the very beginning because it felt disruptive and played a significant role in what I felt for the book as a whole (I know it might seem like a minor point, but still...)
Everyone introduced to us is at a crossroads, with all five members of the extended family grappling with what they should consider as their purpose. Emmitt wants to quit his job and live in a more traditional Japanese setting. When the latter part falls through, he has to convince people around him that he knows what he is doing. His wife is definitely not on the level as him when it comes to thoughts of their future. Although it seemed a little stilted, given their long relationship, their interactions (or the lack thereof) made sense in the bigger picture. The parents struggle with their own mortality and balance, while the sister struggles with being the only person supposedly living the dream.
The storyline itself was not for me. I would not have been able to work my way through the whole book if not for the unique perspective of living as a local while obviously sticking out in some ways. In the end, I appreciated the pictures and people introduced to me.
I would recommend it to anyone who does not mind a slow read about a place and culture that might be foreign and viewed from a different lens.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

Many thanks to Stone Bridge Press and NetGalley for the advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The main character of "Kanazawa" is Emmit, who is an American, living in Kanazawa, Japan, with his Japanese wife Mirai, and her parents. Unhappy with his position as a teacher of English in a local university, Emmit has a dream of buying and renovating a worn-down, traditional Japanese house, so he can have a more immersive and authentic Japanese cultural experience while translating the works of Izumi Kyoka, a native author of Kanazawa. However, Emmit learns about his wife's reluctance of realizing his obsessive dream: Mirai, who doesn't share Emmit's romantic notions toward Japan's past, wants to move to Tokyo, thinking it would be beneficial for her future.

A story of a cultural and marital conflict between an American-Japanese couple, Kanazawa is definitely interesting, not to mention very absorbing for the lovers of Japanese culture, history, and literature.

I requested for this based off the gorgeous cover! While the setting for the story is beautifully written, I found the whole story quite frustrating.

This story follows Emmitt, an expat who dreams of settling down in a machiya, a traditional Japanese home, with his wife, Mirai but she seems to have other plans for him. While Emmitt looks at immersing himself with Japanese culture and history, Mirai is more inclined to move to Tokyo, towards a city life, where she hopes to fulfil her dreams. How will they settle for what they within their differences? It doesn’t help that they are both living with Mirai’s parents who are also going through some changes of their own.

I find Emmitt and Mirai’s relationship very frustrating! I wished they had communicated better and just take time to listen to each other. I find Mirai’s actions very selfish at times as she make decisions about moving to Tokyo without ever discussing with Emmitt and kept him in the dark. When Emmitt made an effort to talk to her, she would always brush him off and then proceeds to blame him for not understanding her? Ugh..this annoys me to no end. I almost DNF-ed this because of Mirai.

Each family member is going through their own issues of past vs future and of new vs old. They are handling it in their own way but there don’t seem to be much communication. I did love the setting and description of the bustling city of Tokyo, the quiet life of Kanazawa and the peaceful nature of Shiramine. This is where Emmitt’s purpose lies. He is hoping to rediscover himself through Japan’s culture and history, something that Mirai fails to understand.

Thank you Netgalley and Stone Bridge Press for the arc.

Description/Blurb

In Kanazawa, the first literary novel in English to be set in this storied Japanese city, Emmitt’s future plans collapse when his wife, Mirai, suddenly backs out of negotiations to purchase their dream home. Disappointed, he’s surprised to discover Mirai’s subtle pursuit of a life and career in Tokyo, a city he dislikes.

First of all, the cover is gorgeous, definitely made me check this book out!
The premise itself was interesting and I'm always curious about any books set in Japan. I understood the relationship between Mirai and Emmit, but I didn't like reading about it. People in Japan hardly say no directly, but make their opinion known in other more subtle or not so subtle ways (like not showing up to the appointment with the realtor). I really wanted them to talk and communicate better and found them very frustrating at times.
I also feel like I missed out on a lot of meaning in the book, because I haven't read any Kyoka or other Japanese authors that have been mentioned, as this is such an important part of the book. I sometimes felt a bit bored while reading through the discussions between Emmit and his mother-in-law.

However I can feel the love and admiration about the city Kanazawa and surroundings come to life while reading.

Thank you Stone Bridge Press and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I quite enjoyed this book about the cracks that appear in a man's marriage at a point when decisions are about to be made about their future. It's a linear, thoughtful story of an American man who has married a Japanese woman and they live with her family as they are saving money for their first home. He has made the decision that he wants to quit his university job and determine what his next steps will be, and at the same time, wants to buy a historic home and spend the time fixing it up. Thinking that his wife shares this dream, he is shocked when she doesn't show up for the signing of the sales contract.

I loved the look at Japanese town life and the dynamics of the family. There was a tenderness and a lot of heart in this book. I really rooted for them to make it, but I won't spoil anything. It was a lovely surprise.

I want to thank the publishers for access to the digital advanced reader's copy in exchange for a fair review.

I have always loved Japanese culture and have always shown interest in it, be it history or any kind of books set in Japan.
I really loved the descriptions of Kanazawa and it's surrounding area that the author has given to us. While reading , it felt very breezy and smooth flowing. The characters and their dynamic were well put. I'd recommend this book to all.

This is the first literary novel in English set in Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture on Japan’s main island, Honshu. Cradled between two rivers and facing the Japanese Alps to the east, Japan’s gold-leaf capital has a rich history and wonderful traditional architecture.

The novel tells the story of Emmitt, an American who has settled in Japan permanently and lives with his Japanese wife, Mirai, in the house of her parents in Kanazawa. Their marriage is currently somewhat rocky, since the two discover for the first time that they have conflicting plans for their future together. Emmitt wants them to buy a traditional townhouse in Kanazawa and experience the city’s history and culture, whereas Mirai wants them to move to Tokyo and lead a faster and busier life. This feeds into one of the themes the novel explores in depth and with a lot of grace: the state of being torn between the personal and the collective past on one hand and the implacable passing of time and the challenges of the future on the other hand.

Emmitt and Mirai find themselves at a crossroads, and their experience is incredibly relatable: they are still young enough to afford to radically change their life, but old enough to be aware that the window is closing and they have to make a decision. The pressure to get more out of life and be HAPPY, to be able to see your friends and confidently tell them you are exactly where you want to be in life puts a strain on both of them to the point that they are struggling to communicate their needs to themselves, let alone to each other. It is so tempting to constantly compare themselves to everybody around them, arrange the way they present themselves as carefully as Mirai arranges her ikebana.

Another theme that carries a lot of weight in this novel is art, especially the different characters’ attitudes to art and its significance in their lives. Art surfaces in countless guises and touches everybody’s lives: Mirai is an ikebana artist, her sister Asuka just got her first job as a designer in Tokyo, their mother is a dedicated member of a literary club that promotes the local literary heritage, and their father is a talented artist (whose drawings are stored away, gathering dust). Emmitt feels a little bit like the odd one out, until he discovers a passion for translating the works of Izumi Kyoka into English through conversations with his mother-in-law. Kyoka is Kanazawa’s most famous writer, and even though he lived and wrote decades ago, he feels almost like a character in this novel. Emmitt’s mother-in-law is a huge admirer of his works and actively advocates for them to be translated into English.

Why does Mirai’s mother enjoy talking about Kyoka but doesn’t enjoy discussing her husband’s art? Why does Mirai’s father sulk over his drawings and go on long solitary walks dressed like he is training for the Olympics? Mirai’s parents are probably the two most fascinating characters in the novel – it takes until the end of the book to understand their complex past, as well as the hidden depths of their special relationship with art. Seeing them through Emmitt’s eyes is as captivating as seeing Japan through his eyes; each scene, each conversation adds a piece to the puzzle.

The greatest strength of the book is the way it unfurls, slowly but surely, like tendrils of warmth from a cup of sake that spread from your hands to your soul. Tension slowly builds and looms like clouds over Hakusan. The novel is poignant, elegant and meditative, with a cathartic climax, a dramatic payoff after a steady buildup. This is achieved fantastically, without a single dull moment. The straightforward language, the rich atmosphere, the natural flow of the characters’ thoughts, words, and movements all drive the story forward organically. Joiner has achieved an incredible feat in making a story whose lifeforce is art seem so effortless and devoid of artifice.

Reading "Kanazawa" is above all a beautiful experience. The characters are beyond real, and the novel is the literary equivalent of superimposing a map of the human condition over a map of the city of Kanazawa. It is a story to come back to time and time again, since each reading can reveal a new layer, a new motif, a new passage that rings out beautiful and true.

I absolutely loved this book.

Joiner does a fabulous job describing Japanese culture and folklore. I found myself becoming quickly engrossed by this book.

The relationship between the narrator and his wife left me so frustrated at times with the obvious communication issues which existed between them. The author limned this frustration well. It was an excellent account of how important communication is between a couple if both are to be fulfilled and happy with each other.

I particularly loved the end of the book with Emmitt and his father in law climbing the mountain together. I found it quite spiritual and poignant. A fitting end to a great book.

There is something about japanese culture which I really don’t know but it captivates me so much. That’s why I’m a big fan of japanese manga and anime😅. So actually I picked this novel because of its Japanese title and cover.

In this novel you won’t find any kind of big conflict. All the characters have their dreams & ambitions, struggling to find comfort and purpose of life. That’s why the characters of the novel seemed to me very realistic.

In Kanazawa, the work of some some philosophers such as Izumi Kyoka was mentioned that’s why the plot was very engaging. Man’yōshū was also mentioned in the book. Thus you’ll found some amazing literary references in novel.

“All living things die in the end.
So as long as I live here,
I want the cup of pleasure”.
–Man’yōshū

The detailed description of the city, the mountains that surrounds it, it’s museum, river it’s people and machiya homes, everything was enjoyable for me. This novel is a must read if you are fan of Japanese culture.

I enjoyed this. A story of an American lecturer at a Japanese university and his love of ancient Japan and its traditions, often at odds with his Japanese wife's more modern outlook and desire to move to Tokyo. The novel works best with its descriptions of the Kanazawa area, less so with certain characters and the development of the story. I couldn't help but feel that this was a very autobiographical novel, which is fine. For me, it's an interesting companion piece to Iain Maloney's non-fiction account of his life in rural Japan, 'The Only Gaijin in the Village'. Both illustrate life beyond the big city and our preconceived ideas of the Japanese metropolis, which is to be welcomed. An interesting and worthwhile novel, well-written and different enough to stand out.

(With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.)

I love Japanese literature. I also love books revolving around families and their dynamics, and therefore I loved Kanazawa. Fingers crossed I can eventually visit the places where this book was set. Thanks again Netgalley for the copy.

This was a slow burner! I was enjoying this read but it took me a while as days would go by between each session. However, the last quarter had me totally involved and wanting to know how on earth this was going to end. I could not put it down! (and what a gorgeous cover design.)

The references to authors, particularly Kyoka, to machiya housing, religion, the city of Kanazawa, country life, love, multi-generation living, fate, noh theatre, forgiveness, mountain life, ikebana, made this a fascinating look at life in Japan.

I couldn’t appreciate the relationship between Emmitt and Mirai though. They needed to talk!!!! Her no-show at a meeting was atrocious (at the time) for all concerned yet it was brushed under the carpet and I never quite trusted her after that. Emmitt seemed to be far more conscious of Japanese ways, history and etiquette than his wife. Perhaps too much so.

Its twenty years since I visited Kanazawa. I now want to visit again, see those statues and start reading Kyoka! Thank you Stone Bridge Press and NetGalley.

The descriptions of Japan and our protagonists surrounding held me under their spell, wholly captivating, the authors love for Kanazawa truly shines through in his beautiful prose. However I failed to finish this read, while I found many positives towards the writers talent, the story itself held no hold over me, I lacked any feelings towards the characters - albeit, I did enjoy reading about Elliot’s father-in-law alas, I didn’t find myself enthralled by these characters and the journey they were on, so beautiful written and realistically depicted, yet, not for me.

A big thank you to Net Galley for this ARC

‘…he felt rooted in Kanazawa like never before, connected here in ways he could never feel about Tokyo. If something forced him to leave, he thought, he would die as pitifully as fish laid out on a chopping board. Kanazawa was his home.’

On a cold, snowy day, Emmitt learns about his wife Mirai’s hesitation to continue with their plans of signing a lease for the traditional Machiya house, their dream home. His plans to live separately from his inlaws and start a family in the house of his choice fall apart when Mirai doesn’t appear to sign the said lease. His disappointment and frustration increase when he realises that Mirai wishes to seek a career in Ikebana in Tokyo and live close to her sister. For Emmitt, Tokyo is the last city he wants to live in. On the verge of burnout, he quits his job at the university, which isn’t received well by Mirai. Despite his wife’s attempts to move to Tokyo, Emmitt continues to live with his inlaws in Kanazawa, determined to find his true calling. Between his mother-in-law’s wish for him to translate Izumi Kyoka, a prominent Japanese writer from Kanazawa, and his father-in-law’s obsession to paint statues around Kanazawa, Emmitt is sucked into the mysterious death of their mutual friend. This incident redefines how he sees his inlaws, his relationship with them taking a more profound and enriching meaning. By looking and contemplating the historical lives lived in Kanazawa, Emmitt and Mirai finally realise the importance of taking the middle path rather than sticking to extremes. This eventually liberates Emmitt in a way that he is finally able to forge his path ahead in the way he had dreamed of.
My take: This beautiful literary novel sets a quiet and pensive atmosphere through its many contemplations on art in Kanazawa, with the main focus lying in Izumi Kyoka’s works. Joiner paints a deeply touching story of a family with modern brushstrokes through allusions between Kyoka's life and works.

I couldn’t help empathising with Emmitt’s disappointments, frustrations and inability to sometimes grasp people around him, which carried undertones of a culture clash. To live in a vastly different culture and endeavour to make it yours as best one can, sometimes failing miserably and hovering on the periphery, other times being woven into its fabric like you have always been a part of it like Emmitt does, really struck a chord in me. With its meditative pace, this book is not one to be read in a day or two, but a slow and contemplative read of it is the best justice you can do for this beautiful work. Engaging with the story by searching for landmarks mentioned in the novel and reading about Kyoka and his works brought me the closest to literary fiction in a way that I haven’t experienced before. I strongly recommend this novel to everyone who likes a story with a meditative pace that slowly and gently holds your attention, staying with you long after you’ve read it.

This beautiful literary novel sets a quiet and pensive atmosphere through its many contemplations on art in Kanazawa, focusing on Izumi Kyoka’s works. Joiner paints a deeply touching story of a family with modern brushstrokes through allusions between Kyoka's life and works.
I couldn’t help empathising with Emmitt’s disappointments, frustrations and inability to sometimes grasp people around him, which carried undertones of a culture clash. To live in a vastly different culture and endeavour to make it yours as best one can, sometimes failing miserably and hovering on the periphery, other times being woven into its fabric like you have always been a part of it like Emmitt does, really struck a chord in me. With its meditative pace, this book is not one to be read in a day or two, but a slow and contemplative read of it is the best justice you can do for this beautiful work. Engaging with the story by searching for landmarks mentioned in the novel and reading about Kyoka and his works brought me the closest to literary fiction in a way that I haven’t experienced before. I strongly recommend this novel to everyone who likes a story with a meditative pace that slowly and gently holds your attention, staying with you long after you’ve read it. in addition, one clearly develops a lot of interest in Kyoka's life and works. I especially found a passage really intriguing where Emmitt's mother-in-law talks about how Kyoka revered the written word as sacred and would sometimes burn a page of writing and consume the ashes.

*I know it's only February but I have a feeling that this book is going to be one of my most favorite reads of 2022. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beautifully written by David Joner, 'Kanazawa' tells a complex, intriguing, modern day tale taking place in a picturesque city in Japan. Five years into their marriage, Emmitt and Mirai find themselves at an impasse as they realize their plans for future are polar opposites. Their inability to find a middle ground drives them far from each other often resulting in tense conversations. In spite of being an American, Emmitt feels deeply connected to Kanazawa, the peace and natural beauty of countryside and literary works of Kyōka Izumi, a prominent writer hailing from the same place. He wants to live a more Japanese version of life and opts to buy traditional Japanese house 'Machiya' as well as explore and indulge in the simplicity and nostalgia of past. Getting frustrated with unfair work pressure and unenthusiastic students, he quits his stable job of teaching at the university to rediscover his purpose in life and dedicates his free time to translate Kyōka Izumi's novels in English. Emmitt's vision clashes with his wife Mirai's, an ikebana artist enchanted by glamorous life in Tokyo where living conditions and job facilities are much better. In addition to that, she will have the opportunity to stay close to her sister and chase her dreams which were shattered by her parents' refusal to let her move to Tokyo when she was younger. Mirai views Emmitt's resignation at thirty six as an unnecessary, selfish move that puts their life at risk. Unwilling to compromise on her part, she takes extreme measures to convince Emmitt going so far as to blame his American upbringing for his casual approach to life, going behind his back and so on. The difficult period brings Emmitt closer to his parents-in-law. Intimate conversations take place. Soon it is apparent to him that the elderly couple is hiding secrets of their own. When Mirai's father disappears from a family tour without notifying others, it starts a train of events revealing secrets from the past confronting Emmitt with a shocking revelation. Will he finally find the peace and happiness he yearns for? Buy the book and keep reading to find out!

The first time I saw the book cover, I was mesmerized. Simple yet so beautiful. I craved to stand on the very place as the woman, inhale fresh air and twirl in happiness. It was obvious then that I would have to read this book sooner or later. David explores the dynamics of relationship in a family with kindness and impartiality, never putting blame on anyone's shoulder as everyone seems justified from their points of view. Emmitt and Mirai want different things in life. Their struggles and tendency to avoid each other instead of talking out the differences are extremely relatable. Each have flaws and dissimilarities but their love for each other binds them together, prompting them to sort out their problems quietly without hurting other's feelings. David's vivid portrayal evokes different emotions throughout the story: happiness, anger, sadness, surprise and excitement. The characters are imperfect, messy and complicated because they represent us. I love intense family drama and it was more than what I bargained for. As a nature lover, my heart was full of happiness and warmth at the calm, soothing and elaborate description of natural sceneries. To sum it up, this book has my whole heart. Now if you excuse me, I am gonna go and check out other books by David Joiner and Kyōka Izumi.

Advanced review copy provided by Netgalley for an independent, honest review

Kanazawa was an unexpected beauty of a novel. It isn't a book big on plot, but examines Japanese culture and the inner life of a married couple on the cusp of major change vividly and empathetically.

David Joiner's Kanazawa details the lives of Emmitt, a foreigner to Japan, Mirai, his wife, and his in-laws in the quiet, apparently underrated city of Kanazawa. Just before Emmitt and Mirai sign on the dotted line for a machiya (traditional Japanese house) to fully renovate, Mirai makes an unexpected choice that shakes their quiet life, and casts doubt and insecurity to their union.

There are no villains or heroes in this book about long-term love. Rather, Emmitt and Mirai often feel in the book like two ships previously sailing in parallel diverging for the first time. It's poignant, and quietly pulls at the heartstrings. Also, as a POC reader, I do always get nervous reading novels about East Asian cultures written from a white person's perspective. I found that Joiner's reverence for the culture of Japan reverberating like a pulse through the whole book. I think this is a great rainy day book, that'll make you think and want to hug your partner and tell them you love them because of their flaws, not despite.