Tag: Debut novel

A Quiet Summer in Japan: Masashi Matsuie’s ‘The Summer House’

‘The Summer House: A Novel’ by Masashi Matsuie. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

📚Book Spotlight: “The Summer House” by Masashi Matsuie
Release Date: June 17, 2025

Japanese author Masashi Matsuie makes a powerful debut with “The Summer House: A Novel,” a richly atmospheric and deeply observant story set in the world of architecture. This award-winning novel offers a unique window into modern Japan, told through the eyes of a young architect navigating personal and professional transformation. (Other Press, 2025)

At the heart of the novel is Tōru Sakanishi, a recent university graduate who joins the prestigious Murai Office—a boutique Tokyo architecture firm founded by a former student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Sakanishi’s keen, introspective voice captures the artistry and care that defines the firm’s ethos.

As the oppressive Tokyo summer approaches, the Murai Office decamps to Kita-Asama, a faded artists’ colony in the mountains. There, the team—Sakanishi, his enigmatic boss Murai, and two intriguing women who stir Sakanishi’s affections—embark on a high-stakes design competition: creating the new National Library of Modern Literature, while contending with a rival firm dominating government commissions.

Elegantly translated by Margaret Mitsutani, National Book Award winner, “The Summer House” is a quiet yet compelling exploration of creativity, tradition, and longing. Matsuie’s prose evokes the serene beauty of Japan’s natural world while probing the tension between modern ambition and enduring heritage.

This character-driven novel is ideal for fans of Mitsutani’s acclaimed translations and for readers interested in Japanese literature, architecture, and coming-of-age stories with artistic depth.

👩‍💻About the Author
Masashi Matsuie began his career as a fiction editor at Shinchosha Publishing Company, where he worked with literary icons including Yoko Ogawa, Banana Yoshimoto, and Haruki Murakami. He also helped launch Shincho Crest Books, a translation-focused imprint. “The Summer House” is his debut novel and winner of the prestigious Yomiuri Prize for Literature, an honor rarely given to first-time authors.

👩‍💻About the Translator
Margaret Mitsutani is a renowned translator of Japanese literature, known for her work with Yoko Tawada and Nobel laureate Kenzaburō Ōe. She was a finalist for the National Book Award for “Scattered All Over the Earth” and won the award for her translation of The Emissary.

Advance Praise for Masashi Matsuie (“The Summer House”):

“Elegantly understated novel of a tenuous love affair in modern Japan…Matsuie, renowned as an editor (of Haruki Murakami, among other writers) before becoming an author, delivers a simple but graceful tale that’s full of intriguing asides on architecture, which Sensei insists is “function, pure and simple.” A novel packed with ideas about art, life, and love.”
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

“The more I read, the more I fell in love with this beautiful novel…Its foremost charm is the fluent, clean-cut use of words. Nothing in Matsuie’s descriptions is superfluous, nor is anything missing, and the refreshing vitality of his prose is impressive…The birth of such a writer is cause for celebration.”
—Hiromi Kawakami, author of Strange Weather in Tokyo and The Nakano Thrift Shop

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New book release: ‘No More Tears for Nonna’ by Al Esposito

‘No More Tears for Nonna’ is the new debut novel by Al Esposito. Photo: Al Esposito, used with permission.

One of my favorite genres is historical fiction, especially when combined with a coming of age plotline. Today’s new release is a debut novel by Al Esposito titled “No More Tears for Nonna.” The protagonist is Freddy Ercolano and the story begins as he is in a nursing home, lost in thought, and reminiscing about years gone by when, as a young boy, his grandmother was a big part of his life. After reading a sample, I can tell this is going to be a very interesting look at the life of a young boy raised in a traditional Italian family. The writing is descriptive “Clouds of cigarette smoke filled the air….The smell of Italian food was intoxicating” and draws the reader in to the complicated life that surrounds young Freddy. It is a candid look at one family’s history so there is a disclaimer that it may contain themes and language that some readers may find offensive. If you are fan of family fiction and historical coming of age novels that explore the power of familial bonds, consider “No More Tears for Nonna.”

Al Esposito was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised on Long Island in Commack NY. He has a rich Italian American background. Al is eager to honor his heritage and traditions by infusing his works with warmth, humor, and drama from his upbringing. Inspired by the vivid characters and events that graced his life, Al’s writing resonates with a genuine depth and authenticity that draws readers in. His debut novel “No More Tears for Nonna” is a heartfelt exploration of the power of family and the unbreakable bonds that connect us all. It is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. (Al Esposito, 2023)

“No More Tears for Nonna” is an inspiring novel by Al Esposito that takes readers on a journey through the life of Freddy, a young protagonist yearning for independence from his overbearing mother. Set in late 1960s Commack, NY, this multi-generational tale of love, heartbreak, and hope pays tribute to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the profound impact of familial love. With vibrant characters and captivating events, readers will be immersed in Freddy’s story as he navigates his relationship with his beloved grandmother, Nonna. Through their bond, Nonna imparts invaluable lessons about love and loss, shaping Freddy’s path towards a brighter future.

Al Esposito’s writing is infused with warmth, humor, and drama, leaving readers moved and inspired. This must-read novel resonates with individuals from all walks of life, capturing the essence of family, heritage, and tradition. Al Esposito’s debut is an authentic and genuine story that will touch the hearts of readers across genres. Follow the author: Instagram, Twitter

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Author Al Esposito. Photo: Al Esposito, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Elsewhen’ by Shob Diko

‘Elsewhen’ is the thrilling new science fiction novel by Shob Diko. Photo: Amazon

This new release caught my attention: “Elsewhen” by Shob Diko; a science fiction novel dealing with parallel universes, time travel, aliens, and romance. If you love science fiction as much as I do, here is some more information on this thrilling new novel.

Shob Diko is an enigmatic and resilient soul whose life journey led him to embrace the pseudonym ‘Shob Diko’ as a symbol of his indomitable spirit. As an immigrant to North America, he faced countless trials and tribulations, experiencing a life marked by hardship and pain. Yet, it was within the depths of adversity that he discovered his passion for storytelling. Fueling his creative fire with the embers of personal struggle, he embarked on a transformative odyssey of the mind. Through the intricate tapestry of his imagination, he sought solace and sanctuary in the realms of science fiction. This is how the profound narrative of his debut novel, “Elsewhen,” was born. (Shob Diko, 2023)

In “Elsewhen,” Shob Diko weaves a mesmerizing tale of cosmic wonder and human resilience. The novel explores parallel dimensions, time travel, and extraordinary beings, taking readers on a thrilling expedition through the vast expanse of the unknown. Echoing his own journey, the protagonist in “Elsewhen” discovers strength in the face of turmoil, hope amid despair, and an unyielding determination to transcend the boundaries of time and space. “Elsewhen” marks the beginning of a promising literary voyage, as Shob Diko stands poised to carve his name into the firmament of science fiction, an author who, against all odds, found beauty in the chaos, and strength in the pain. 

“Elsewhen” is available in Kindle format only through Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon CA, and Amazon Au.

“Elsewhen” – In this gripping tale, the protagonist, Larry, possesses a remarkable time machine capable of transporting him ten minutes into the past. The story begins with a mesmerizing introduction to this extraordinary device and reaches its first turning point when Larry encounters the love of his life. The initial chapter sets the stage, intertwining the concept of time travel with the budding romance that will shape the narrative.

Subsequent chapters dig deeper into the captivating love story between Larry and Alice. However, as their relationship intensifies, unforeseen circumstances force Larry to make a heart-wrenching decision—leaving his beloved to ensure her safety. The third chapter delves into the emotional aftermath as Larry grapples with the anguish of his decision and gradually nurtures a growing resentment towards the very time machine that once seemed like a miraculous gift.

Just when all seems lost, a critical event takes place in the fourth chapter—an invasion of Earth by a formidable alien species. As chaos ensues, Larry seizes an opportunity to reunite with his lost love amidst the turmoil. Together, they embark on a daring journey, employing the powers of the time machine to confront and repel the alien invaders. The final chapter wraps up their thrilling battle against the extraterrestrial threat, intertwining their love story with a fight for humanity’s survival.

“Elsewhen” presents an innovative blend of science fiction, romance, and high-stakes adventure. It explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the unyielding resilience of the human spirit. Readers will be captivated by the intricate character dynamics, the seamless fusion of time travel elements, and the breathless suspense that permeates the story. 

Sounds interesting? Pick up your copy today and embark on an amazing journey through the universe with Larry. 

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Book of the week: ‘Identicality’ by Jay L. Koppelman

‘Identicality’ is a suspenseful technothriller by Jay L. Koppelman. Photo: Jay L. Koppelman

Jay L. Koppelman, a San Francisco Bay Area resident, is retired from a career in real estate investment and finance. He currently serves as CFO of an educational therapy clinic and has been an active participant on various philanthropic boards. In his spare time, he chases his grandkids, enjoys golf, recreational flying, and reading about science and technology. “Identicality,” his debut novel, is a riveting and thought-provoking science fiction thriller that will keep you thinking and guessing until the very end – and beyond. (Jay L. Koppelman, 2023)

“Identicality” – As founding partner of a prestigious San Francisco law firm, Charlie Wood owes much of his success to business dealings with his life-long friend, the brilliant inventor-entrepreneur Adam Braudy. While Charlie is grateful to Adam, he cannot help envying Adam’s staggering wealth and fame and feels resentful every time Adam calls and expects him to drop everything to do his bidding. As Adam lies dying following an assassination attempt, he asks Charlie to aid him in fulfilling one last request: use his latest invention—a device capable of duplicating human life—to create an Adam replicant. Unable to deny his friend’s dying wish, Charlie sets aside his deep ethical reservations and, at the risk of spawning a Frankenstein monster, creates Adam’s replicant.

Everything seems to be going as planned as the new Adam takes on the first Adam’s role as husband, father, inventor and industrialist—firmly convinced he is the real Adam. But then the first Adam miraculously survives. How far will Adam go to get his life back?

Excerpt available – First chapter

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