Cake Tree in the Ruins

Intensely moving stories that tell of the absurd violence of war, and tenderly depict the animals and children caught in its vortex.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2018
Publisher: Pushkin Press

In 1945, Akiyuki Nosaka experienced a devastating tragedy that would shape his life forever. As he watched the Allied firebombing of Kobe, his adoptive parents were tragically killed, leaving him alone in the world. However, the pain was not yet over, as he soon witnessed his sister starving to death before his eyes. These shocking and unforgettable experiences would later inspire his novel, "The Cake Tree in the Ruins."

The novel is a collection of stories based on Nosaka's own experiences as a child in Japan during the Second World War. It is a poignant portrayal of the chaos and terror that war brings, as well as the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

One of the most memorable stories in the novel is about a lonely whale who travels the oceans in search of a mate. Despite facing countless obstacles and dangers, the whale never gives up hope. In a selfless act of love, it sacrifices itself for the sake of its beloved. This story is a powerful reminder of the profound sacrifices that people can make for the people they love.

Another heart-wrenching story is about a mother who is determined to save her son at all costs. Despite facing impossible odds and losing everything she has, she never gives up on her son. Her tears and unwavering love are a testament to the strength of the human bond and the power of hope.

The novel also features a magnificent tree that grows amid the ruins of a burnt-out town. This tree is unlike any other, its branches made from the sweetest cake imaginable. It serves as a symbol of hope and resilience, growing in the face of adversity. The tree's beauty and sweetness are a contrast to the darkness and destruction that surrounds it, and it provides a source of comfort and solace for those who are lost and broken.

Through these stories, "The Cake Tree in the Ruins" explores the complexities of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a profound and moving testament to the power of love and the importance of never giving up, even in the darkest of times.

Weight: 152g
Dimension: 121 x 163 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782274186