The Pine Islands

The Pine Islands

<p><i><b>AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER</b></i><br><i><b></b></i><br><i><b>SHORTLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER INTERNATIONAL PRIZE 2019</b></i><br><i></i><br>When Gilbert Silvester wakes one day from a dream that his wife has cheated on him, he flees - immediately, irrationally, inexplicably - for Japan.</p><p>In Tokyo he discovers the travel writings of the great Japanese poet Basho. Suddenly, from Gilbert's directionless crisis there emerges a purpose: a pilgrimage in the footsteps of the poet to see the moon rise over the pine islands of Matsushima.</p><p>Along the way he falls into step with another pilgrim: Yosa, a young Japanese student clutching a copy of The <i>Complete Manual </i><i>of Suicide</i>. Together, Gilbert and Yosa travel across Basho's disappearing Japan, one in search of his perfect ending and the other a new beginning.</p><p>Serene, playful and profound, <i>The Pine Islands</i> is a story of the transformations we seek and the ones we find along the way.</p>