Honeybees and Distant Thunder: The million copy award-winning Japanese bestseller about the enduring power of great friendship

In a small coastal town near Tokyo, three friends compete in a prestigious piano competition, experiencing joy, pain, and rivalry. Aya, Makun, and Jin must reconcile with the highs and lows of friendship and push themselves to the brink. HONEYBEES AND DISTANT THUNDER is a multi-award-winning Japanese bestseller, now available in English translation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2023
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

In this captivating Japanese bestseller, translated by Philip Gabriel and hailed as a masterpiece, the Night Circus meets Lonely Castle in the Mirror. With over a million copies sold in Japan and numerous awards, including the Naoki Prize and the Japan Booksellers Award, it has now been released in English for the first time.

Set in a picturesque coastal town near Tokyo, the story revolves around a prestigious piano competition that brings together three friends: Aya, a piano genius who has withdrawn from the world; Makun, a talented pianist with a unique perspective; and Jin, a pianist without a piano, whose father's bees accompany him wherever he goes.

As the competition unfolds, the three friends navigate through a series of exhilarating and challenging moments, testing their limits and pushing themselves to the brink. They break the rules, awe their fans, and engage in fierce rivalries, all while grappling with the highs and lows of friendship.

HONEYBEES AND DISTANT THUNDER is a tender, cruel, and compelling tale that explores the complexities of love, courage, and rivalry. It delves into the depths of human emotions and the sacrifices we make in pursuit of our dreams. Through the eyes of these three young people, the novel offers a poignant reflection on the nature of friendship and the importance of reconciling with the highs and lows of life.

Japanese readers have embraced this novel with overwhelming praise, with many describing it as a masterpiece. The characters are wonderfully drawn, and readers are deeply moved by the emotional depth and vivid storytelling. Some reviewers have even claimed that the novel felt like a sixth sense, transporting them to another world.

In conclusion, HONEYBEES AND DISTANT THUNDER is a must-read for anyone who loves music, friendship, and personal growth. With its captivating prose, intricate plot, and profound themes, this novel offers a unique and unforgettable reading experience. Whether you are a fan of Japanese literature or simply seeking a compelling story that will leave you thinking, this book is sure to captivate your imagination.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 136 x 215 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857527950