Mysterious Setting by Kazushige Abe, translated by Michael Emmerich, follows Shiori, a young woman with a passion for music but no singing talent. After abandoning her dream of becoming a troubadour, she moves to Tokyo to pursue a career as a lyricist. Isolated in a new city, Shiori seeks connection online, which exposes her to exploitation and a series of unforeseen events in this literary novel marked by dark humor and the absurd.

Why You Should Read?

• Explores the unconventional pursuit of dreams against challenging odds.
• Features a unique blend of literary fiction, dark comedy, and surreal narrative.
• Offers sharp social commentary on isolation and vulnerability in modern society.
• Delves into complex themes of identity, aspiration, and unexpected twists.