Description
Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER INTERNATIONAL PRIZE 2019 AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER When Gilbert wakes one day from a dream that his wife has cheated on him, he flees - immediately and inexplicably - for Tokyo, where he meets a fellow lost soul: Yosa, a young Japanese student clutching a copy of The Complete Manual of Suicide. Together, Gilbert and Yosa set off on a pilgrimage to see the pine islands of Matsushima, one looking for the perfect end to his life, the other for a fresh start. Playful and profound, The Pine Islands is a beautiful tale of friendship, transformation and acceptance in modern Japan.
Trade ReviewMiraculous ... Poschmann has all the air of uncovered greatness -- John Self * Guardian *
A remarkably tender exploration of modern life ... Poschmann reveals the still beauty to be found in life beneath a mask of black humour. -- Mia Colleran * Irish Times *
A blackly funny novel, in which the rhythms of modern life slowly give way to the restorative poetry of the natural world. -- Claire Allfree * Daily Mail *
If you've ever wondered how a writer of imagination and wit might blend Murakami-style mysticism with black-humoured realism, this diverting novel will tell you everything you need to know. * Big Issue *
Funny, strange and sad ... a refreshing book for the curious reader * Herald *
Really fascinating ... on the face of it a simple story with a sort of surreality to it, a playfulness as well ... interesting, left-field ... we absolutely loved it ... a comic confrontation with mortality -- Bettany Hughes, chair of the 2019 Man Booker International Prize judges
Absurdly delightful * Straits Times *
A masterpiece * Die Zeit *
Clever, poetic, funny * Tagesspiegel *
A dazzling little novel * Süddeutsche Zeitung *
Profoundly serene, flawlessly beautiful * TAZ *
Ravishingly funny * Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung *
Simply wonderful * Stern *
