A review by sfbookgirl
Fault Lines by Emily Itami

challenging emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Perfect for fans of Sally Rooney, Fault Lines is a fall debut that you don’t want to miss. I wanted to pick this book up after watching the Olympics, as both the games and the book are set in Tokyo, Japan. The main character Mizuki is a Japanese housewife who caters to her husband’s and her children’s needs. One rainy night, Mizuki meets restaurateur Kiyoshi and their relationship evolves into a secret love affair. 
 
Mizuki, ultimately has to choose one man to keep in her life. Fault Lines is a quiet, yet powerful debut novel that provides a portrait of Japanese female identity and self-reflection. It’s best to read this one slowly to appreciate the sights, smells, and heightened feelings the author Emily Itami incorporates into her stunning debut. 
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