Fault Lines

About the book

SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA FIRST NOVEL AWARD

Have you ever considered the cost of a mother’s desire? Emily Itami delves into this question with both humor and poignancy, as highlighted by the New York Times Book Review.

Described as the perfect blend of Sally Rooney and early Murakami by Kathy Wang, author of Impostor Syndrome, Fault Lines introduces us to Mizuki, a Japanese housewife living in Tokyo. Despite having everything a woman could desire - a hardworking husband, two lovely children, and a beautiful apartment - Mizuki finds herself questioning her happiness. She yearns for more than the mundane routine of household chores and silent evenings.

Everything changes when Mizuki meets Kiyoshi, a successful restaurateur, on a rainy night. With him, she rediscovers a sense of freedom, friendship, and the vibrant energy of the city she adores. However, as their relationship deepens, Mizuki realizes that she is leading a double life - and ultimately, she must make a choice.

Fault Lines is a funny, thought-provoking, and brutally honest novel that explores the complexities of love, female identity, and the search for self-discovery. Emily Itami's debut work resonates deeply with its readers, offering a bittersweet love story and a compelling exploration of personal identity.