The co-op bookstore for avid readers
Book Cover for: The Refugees' Daughter, Takuji Ichikawa

The Refugees' Daughter

Takuji Ichikawa

In a society rife with conflict and a world on the edge of extinction, who should we turn to for answers: society's strongest or weakest? This is the question Takuji Ichikawa, one of Japan's most imaginative and unusual authors, poses in The Refugees' Daughter, a magical modern parable for our troubled times.

Through this terrifying and dreamlike dystopia, a young girl is amongst those fleeing their homes and seeking safety.

From Ichikawa, a Japanese author whose books sell in the millions, comes a thought provoking piece which addresses themes of humanity, responsibility and the need to have a place to call home.

Exploring power, patriarchy, strength and freedom, this vision of a frighteningly familiar world asks vital questions.

Translated by Emily Balistrieri, The Refugees' Daughter is a powerful, poignant and utterly relevant tale that will resound in the minds of everyone who has ever searched for hope.

Red Circle Minis: Original, Short and Compelling Reads

The Refugees' Daughter is part of Red Circle Minis, a series of short captivating books by Japan's finest contemporary writers that brings the narratives and voices of Japan together as never before. Each book is a first edition written specifically for the series and is being published in English first.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Red Circle
  • Publish Date: Nov 23rd, 2019
  • Pages: 80
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 7.00in - 4.25in - 0.19in - 0.16lb
  • EAN: 9781912864089
  • Categories: LiteraryFantasy - RomanceFantasy - Contemporary

About the Author

Balistrieri, Emily: - Emily Balistrieri is an American translator based in Tokyo. Published translations include Tomihiko Morimi's The Night is Short; Walk on Girl; Ko Hiratori's JR Haru is a Sex Worker in Another World; Carlo Zen's The Saga of Tanya the Evil, and Kugane Murayama's Overlord.
Ichikawa, Takuji: - Takuji Ichikawa is an author who ignores traditional boundaries, and is impossible to pigeonhole. One whose positive and fantastical narratives touch the soul through storytelling that not only 'transforms and heals', but also sells in the millions. After initially publishing stories online, his second novel Ima Ai ni Yukimasu (Be With You), became a blockbuster, selling more than a million copies in Japan, putting Ichikawa on the Japanese literary map. The publication of Be With You sparked the imagination of others, leading to the creation of a Japanese film and two international remakes, a television drama and a manga. Ichikawa's works, which often depict love and loss, continue to resonate and be adapted for film. And he continues to consistently demonstrate that literature has and should have no borders.

Praise for this book

'In a dystopian world in which human suffering knows no bounds, Takuji Ichikawa gives us a glimmer of hope. One immediately thinks of the Gospel of Matthew: 'Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.' With its moral undertones, this esoteric tale is apposite for our deeply divided society.' Alex Pearl, author of Sleeping with the Blackbirds.

'The power of his storytelling is due to the candour of the feelings expressed. As if, confusing reality, somewhat magically, is what makes literature compelling giving it the power to delight and please.' Le Monde.

Red Circle Minis are: 'Small books for big brains' and 'beautiful pocket-sized slices of Japanese literature.' PopMatters.

'I felt it in my heart, and it shook my soul.' Kiyoshi Kodama, actor and former presenter of a popular Japanese television book review programme, commenting on Be with You.

'Reading this sent me into a trance. I discovered what love really is from this book.' Ryoko Hirosoue, Japanese actress best known outside Japan for her roles in Departures and Wasabi, commenting on Love's Photographs.