{"product_id":"the-perfect-world-of-miwako-sumida-isbn-9781641292634","title":"The Perfect World of Miwako Sumida","description":"\u003cb\u003eFrom the critically acclaimed author of \u003ci\u003eRainbirds\u003c\/i\u003e comes a novel of tragedy anddark histories set in Japan.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUniversity  sophomore Miwako Sumida has hanged herself, leaving those closest to  her reeling. In the months before her suicide, she was hiding away in a  remote mountainside village, but what, or whom, was she running from? \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo  Ryusei, a fellow student at Waseda; Chie, Miwako’s best friend; and  Fumi, Ryusei’s older sister, Miwako was more than the blunt, no-nonsense  person she projected to the world. Heartbroken, Ryusei begs Chie to  take him to the village where Miwako spent her final days. While he is  away, Fumi receives an unexpected guest at their shared apartment in  Tokyo, increasingly fearful that Miwako’s death may ruin what is left of  her brother’s life. Expanding on the beautifully crafted world of \u003ci\u003eRainbirds\u003c\/i\u003e, Clarissa Goenawan gradually pierces through a young woman’s careful façade, unmasking her most painful secrets.\u003cb\u003e\u003cb\u003eA Literary Hub Most Anticipated Book of 2020\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eThe Perfect World of Miwako Sumida\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“An exquisite tale about the way secrets shape and transform young lives. Behind Goenawan’s crisp, spare prose lies a world of emotional complexity.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Mira T. Lee, award–winning author of\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e Everything Here Is Beautiful\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A novel in three voices about the inner turmoil—and beauty—that people keep walled behind flawless surfaces.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Tiffany Tsao, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Oddfits\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Majesties\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“From the first page of Clarissa Goenawan’s \u003ci\u003eThe Perfect World of Miwako Sumida\u003c\/i\u003e, we know that the titular Miwako has taken her own life, but we don’t know why. This same question plagues Miwako’s close friends as they grieve her death and search for answers. In this elegant and haunting novel, Goenawan deftly explores the messiness of grief, the pain of lost chances, and the way a life can collapse under the weight of secrets. Miwako and her friends are under my skin, and I’ll be thinking about them for some time.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Kathleen Barber, author of \u003ci\u003eTruth Be Told \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eFollow Me\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e“Vivid and intriguing—an elegantly cryptic, poetically plotted Murakami-esque whydunit.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Sharlene Teo, award–winning author of \u003ci\u003ePonti\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Written in clear, simple prose, Goenawan's novel\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003epresents  the intriguing mystery of Miwako Sumida through the eyes of three  characters who try to piece together her puzzle while struggling with  their own questions of meaning and identity. This story about youth,  friendship, grief, and trauma invites us through secret doors, ready to  discover more.\"  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Intan Paramaditha, PEN Award–winning author of \u003ci\u003eApple and Knife\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Wandering\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A tremendous examination of sadness . . . a book with heart about the mysteries of the heart.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eNew York Journal of Books\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Goenawan's style is effortless and emotionally charged . . . \u003ci\u003eThe Perfect World Of Miwako Sumida\u003c\/i\u003e is a misconception: nothing is perfect in this book.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Irish Times \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“An immersive, haunting tale . . . Goenawan's prose is transportive in its directness and evocative in its simplicity. In Miwako, she has succeeded in an intricate character study of a perturbed soul.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Strait Times \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Miwako is a powerful, memorable character . . . The way these characters’ lives intersect makes for a complex and satisfying tale, one that’s sad at the same time as it’s lively and warm.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eBook Riot\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A haunting tale of secrets, inner turmoil, and the search for answers.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Bustle \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A quietly powerful meditation on the destructive power of secrets, as well as the power of truth to heal even beyond death.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eThe Nerd Daily\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Goenawan, like any skilled novelist, manages to elegantly reveal both the pain and beauty of unraveling a life after loss. This is only her second novel to date, and she’s already been compared to the wizard of world-building, Haruki Murakami.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eLambda Literary\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A novel that lingers in the mind thanks to its poetic delivery, layering of ideas and an engrossing tale, all led by vivid characters.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Bad Form Magazine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“If her debut novel brings Murakami to mind, her second, with its winsome tone, harkens to early Banana Yoshimoto. However, with her blend of mystery, magic and social issues—in this case, sexual abuse, transgender awareness and suicide—Goenawan is developing her own distinct brand.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—\u003ci\u003eThe Japan Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“[Goenawan] raises an age-old question on the fine line where literature ends and life begins . .  [she] has her own distinctive voice, as she sensitively explores traumatic sexual experiences through a woman’s perspective.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eThe Jakarta Post\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“As three stories interlink, rich plot, description, and dialogue make this fiction seem like reality. While readers may be aware they're not a part of the novel, through Goenawan's enthralling writing, they will nonetheless become immersed in her fictional world.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Budi Darma\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“A compelling protagonist . . . Like Japanese brush painting, the author’s simple, clear prose captures Miwako’s vulnerability and complexity. Also vividly drawn are Fumi and Chie, each having built their own unusual protective personas that are gradually revealed. An eerie and elegant puzzle.”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Like Goenawan’s previous \u003ci\u003eRainbirds\u003c\/i\u003e, this is more literary fiction than conventional mystery, featuring exceptionally well-drawn characters facing adversity in a narrative written with an elegance and delicacy.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e—\u003cb\u003eBooklist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Tender and tragic . . . Goenawan’s luminous prose captures the deep emotions of her characters as they grapple with questions about family history, gender, and sexuality. The tug of Miwako’s strange, troubled spirit will wrench readers from the beginning.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e—Publishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Goenawan does an expert job of getting to the core of this university student with a mysterious past, and on how people grapple with the death by suicide of a loved one.\"  \u003cb\u003e \u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eAlma\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eRainbirds\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“​A murder mystery and a family drama in one, this book is as beautiful as it is understated. The author presents us with a fascinatingly structured look into Japanese society and a depiction of mourning and grief that is universally recognizable.​”​ \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—\u003ci\u003eSan Francisco Chronicle ​ \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e ​\u003cbr\u003e”A​ transnational literary tour-de-force. Readers will be carried along by its creepy charm.​” \u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e—\u003ci\u003eThe Japan Times​ \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e “Clarissa Goenawan spins a dark, encapsulating story that will certainly reel you in completely.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Bustle \u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e “Mysterious and dark.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Daily Beast \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“​With its dream sequences, chance encounters and leisurely attention to music and food, this debut novel evokes the simple joys of early Haruki Murakami . . . A satisfying heartfelt tale about letting go.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—amNewYork​\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eClarissa Goenawan\u003c\/b\u003e is an Indonesian-born Singaporean writer. Her award-winning short fiction has appeared in literary magazines and anthologies in Singapore, Australia, the UK, and the US. \u003ci\u003eRainbirds\u003c\/i\u003e, her first novel, has been published in fourteen different languages.\u003cb\u003e1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e Like a Long-Lost Friend\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e March 15th, 1989\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e I met Miwako Sumida at a goukon organized by Toshi, a friend of mine.\u003cbr\u003e       I had never been interested in group dates. They were desperate measures for desperate people, but Toshi \u003ci\u003ewas \u003c\/i\u003edesperate. He’d been trying to gain the attention of a pretty, short-haired girl in his swimming club. I didn’t want to ruin his excitement, but the girl had probably agreed to come because Jin—our other friend, popular and a total charmer—would be there. Toshi and I had been hanging out since our first year at Waseda, so I felt obliged to participate.\u003cbr\u003e       The goukon was scheduled for noon at a family restaurant near our campus. At a quarter past twelve, the girls were still nowhere to be seen. We ordered milkshakes and continued to wait, listening to Oricon singles from the restaurant’s only speaker.\u003cbr\u003e       “Are you sure those girls haven’t ditched us?” Jin teased Toshi. \u003cbr\u003e       “Don’t say that; they’re just late.” Toshi tapped his fingers on the table. “They’ll be here any second.”\u003cbr\u003e       “No matter what, you’re picking up the tab like you promised. We’ll give them another five minutes before we order food.”\u003cbr\u003e       “Shut up.”\u003cbr\u003e       Yawning, I gazed out the window. Wet leaves sparkled in the bright sunlight. It had poured yesterday afternoon and all night, but the rain had stopped right when I’d left the house that morning. The scent of fresh soil lingered, mixed with the fragrance of plum blossoms.\u003cbr\u003e       Suddenly, Toshi stood and waved. I turned toward the door and saw three girls walking toward our table.\u003cbr\u003e       The one in front was the beautiful freshman Toshi was after, and the two girls behind her were a study in opposites. One had long, silky black hair and a serious expression behind a pair of old-fashioned thick-rimmed glasses. The other was glamorous, with bleached, permed hair and a body-hugging dress that emphasized her curves. The blonde was one-hundred percent Jin’s type, so I knew I’d be expected to make conversation with the glasses girl.\u003cbr\u003e       Before anyone else could say a word, Jin spoke.\u003cbr\u003e       “I can’t believe you’re here, Sumida,” he said.\u003cbr\u003e       The girl with the glasses gave him a thin smile. “Me neither. I’d never have guessed I’d see you again. I’m surprised you remember my name.”\u003cbr\u003e       Jin chuckled. “Come on, my memory isn’t that bad.”\u003cbr\u003e       “You know each other?” Toshi asked.\u003cbr\u003e       “We were high school classmates,” Jin said quickly. “Apologies. I’ve done things in the wrong order, haven’t I? Please, ladies, take a seat, and then we can do the introductions.”\u003cbr\u003e       The three of them made themselves comfortable on the long sofa. The pretty girl was named Sachiko Hayami, the stylish one was Chie Ohno, and the one with the glasses was Miwako Sumida.\u003cbr\u003e       “Sachiko, Chie, and Miwako,” Toshi repeated. “Do you mind if we use first names?”\u003cbr\u003e       “Of course not,” Chie said in a cheerful tone. She was so friendly, probably one of those girls everyone had an easy time getting along with.\u003cbr\u003e       Toshi ordered some light snacks, and we made the usual collegiate conversation. What are you studying? Oh, interesting. Are you in any clubs? I’ve been thinking of checking that one out. What about you, Ryusei? Any fun hobbies? Oh, me too. I listen to the radio all the time. Music, mostly. I have pretty eclectic taste. Wow, people have said that about me too! Have you seen any good movies recently? What did you think of it? Wait, don’t tell me the ending. I haven’t watched it yet.\u003cbr\u003e       As the exchange went on, I became fascinated by how different these girls were. Sachiko and Chie were chatty, while Miwako gave cursory answers to everything anyone asked her, like she didn’t want to be there. Then again, I too was only there to pad the numbers.\u003cbr\u003e       After a while, it became obvious that Miwako really didn’t want to be there. She wouldn’t stop looking at her watch, which seemed too big for her thin wrist. As expected, Sachiko was more interested in Jin than Toshi. But what piqued my interest was the tension between Jin and Miwako. He seemed overly conscious of her, glancing at her every now and then before averting his eyes. She, on the other hand, openly stared at him whenever he looked at her.\u003cbr\u003e       When the girls excused themselves to go to the washroom, Toshi wasted no time in grilling Jin.\u003cbr\u003e       “You’ve gone on a date with Miwako, haven’t you?” he asked.\u003cbr\u003e       Not bad for Toshi. He was surprisingly sharp that day.\u003cbr\u003e       Jin slurped his chocolate milkshake. “No way. She’s not my type.”\u003cbr\u003e       “I don’t believe you. She kept looking at you.”\u003cbr\u003e       “Glaring, you mean?” said Jin, laughing. “If you must know, we do have an unpleasant history. I’m not going to be the one to spill it, so don’t bother asking.” He lowered his voice. “But the other girl, Chie. She’s hot.”\u003cbr\u003e       “Yeah, and nice, too.” Toshi seemed to have forgotten his question. “So you’re going for her? Ryusei, I think you’d do well with the—”\u003cbr\u003e       “The mature type,” Jin said. “You prefer older girls, don’t you?”\u003cbr\u003e       “I’ve never said that,” I said, stirring my drink with a straw.\u003cbr\u003e       “Look,” Jin said. “Just go along with it unless you’ve got a violent objection.”\u003cbr\u003e       I didn’t respond. Even without them suggesting it, I would have chosen Miwako over the other two. She seemed sensible. A girl like her wouldn’t expect too much from a setting like this. Regardless of whom I ended up talking to, we would probably go to karaoke together as a group, exchange numbers out of courtesy, and part ways, never to see each other again. She would forget me, and I would forget her. That was all.\u003cbr\u003e       But when it came to Miwako Sumida, nothing was as I expected.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e As predicted, after we finished lunch, Toshi announced we would be heading to a nearby karaoke joint.\u003cbr\u003e       Miwako sighed. “How long will this take?”\u003cbr\u003e       Chie twisted her hair around her finger. “Two to three hours at most?”\u003cbr\u003e       “I’m going take my leave. I don’t like singing in front of people, and I need to go to the bookstore.”\u003cbr\u003e       “But we’ll be short one girl!” Sachiko protested. I stood. “Don’t worry, I’ll go with her. I have to pick up a book too.”\u003cbr\u003e       Jin snickered. “How convenient.”\u003cbr\u003e       “Any violent objections?” I asked, parroting him.\u003cbr\u003e       He flashed me a smug smile. “No objections. All good. We’ll see you tomorrow.”\u003cbr\u003e       “Miwako, are you okay with that?” Chie asked.\u003cbr\u003e       “Why not?” she said, grabbing her bag.","brand":"Soho Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46301591372005,"sku":"NP9781641292634","price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781641292634.jpg?v=1767740935","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/the-perfect-world-of-miwako-sumida-isbn-9781641292634","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}