Helpful Score: 4
The intersecting stories of two Americans in Japan: one an expat academic forced to make a living selling tricked-out funerals, the other a grieving parent on a mission to discover how his son died. A little bit of mystery, a little bit of comedy, the potential for an odd romance, and a wonderfully wry view of everyday life in Japan.
An interesting take on the Japanese view of Americans. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Helpful Score: 3
Lots of good information about the differences an American finds in Japan. I enjoyed the easy learning through the story of both an American woman who wanted to be there, and an American man who didn't, and found himself completely helpless without the help of other Americans. A nice bit of romance with a realistic twist. All in all, a good read for anyone who is interested in different cultures but wants the information wrapped up in the familiar setting of a novel story.
Helpful Score: 3
American Fujiis a delightful novel that's part Japanese cultural guide, part fictionalized autobiography, part mystery, and part commentary on the state of American health care. American expat Gaby Stanton, inflicted with a 'shameful' chronic condition, stays in Japan for the health insurance coverage, working as a salesperson in a fantasy funeral company after having inexplicably lost her professorship at Shizuoka University. A forged invoice from her new company--"Gone with the Wind"--brings Alex Thorn into her life. Psychologist Alex Thorn comes to Japan on a book tour, but mainly to uncover the circumstances of his exchange student son Cody's death one year ago. With Gaby playing guide, both Alex and the reader get some perspective on the sometimes comical, quirky differences between American and Japanese culture. An entertaining cast of Japanese and gaijin characters populate their suspenseful efforts to get to the truth about Cody's death. Were the yakuza (Japanese mafia) involved? Ultimately, it's also a heartfelt novel about acceptance, and a fitting tribute to the time Sara Backer spent in Japan as a visiting English professor at Shizuoka University.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book! One of the best I've read this year, it also slips in a lot about Japanese culture. Brought back fond memories of my three years in the Land of the Rising Sun.
