Weasels in the Attic

Weasels in the Attic is a quietly surreal novel by a prize-winning talent that explores fertility, masculinity, and marriage in contemporary Japan. It follows two friends who meet across three dinners, discussing fish-breeding, a weasel infestation, and a claustrophobia-inducing dinner party.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Granta Books

A captivating debut from a promising young talent, this understated novel seamlessly blends elements of surrealism to captivate fans of Sayaka Murata and Mieko Kawakami.

Two friends meet over three dinners, each unfolding in a distinct setting. In the backroom of a pet shop, they indulge in dried shrimps while engaging in a thoughtful discussion about fish breeding. Later, they find themselves in a remote mountain home, grappling with a pesky weasel infestation. Amid a dinner party amidst a blizzard, a mounting sense of claustrophobia gives way to unsettling dreams.

Throughout their conversations, the friends navigate unexpected turns, but as one of them becomes a father, a growing silence permeates their interactions. With remarkable emotional depth and a subtle wit, Weasels in the Attic offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of fertility, masculinity, and marriage in contemporary Japan.

The novel's carefully crafted prose and vivid imagery transport readers into the lives of these characters, allowing them to witness their struggles, joys, and the complexities of human relationships. The understated nature of the narrative adds to its charm, as it allows the reader to piece together the intricacies of the characters' lives through subtle observations and introspective moments.

In conclusion, Weasels in the Attic is a remarkable debut that showcases the talent of its author. It offers a captivating blend of surrealism, introspection, and social commentary, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary Japanese literature. Prepare to be transported to a world where the ordinary is transformed into something extraordinary, and where the quietest moments hold the greatest revelations.

Weight: 68g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783789764