Rider
Wolbers's first novel takes place in Tokyo and tells the story of Mai, the daughter of a Japanese American father and a Japanese mother. Her unusual parentage makes Mai an outsider. She becomes more and more isolated in the crowded Tokyo environs when she separates from her husband and loses both her best friend and her job. Mai takes to the subways, making notes and sketching her observations of the riders and the permanent inhabitants of the underground tunnels as well as the connecting restaurants and shops. Her own near-derelict situation becomes clear only toward the end of the novel as a series of dramatic events eventually lead to her redemption and reconnection to her family and society. Wolbers has written an unusual and effective novel. Highly recommended for all public and academic libraries. --Rebecca A. Stuhr-Rommereim, Grinnell Coll. Libs., Ia.
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