Star Japanese novelist jumps from killer thrillers to children’s books
Asako Yuzuki, famous for thrillers like Butter, pivots to children's literature with her new book, "Mari the Unwonderful Witch."
Renowned Japanese author Asako Yuzuki, known for her psychologically intricate feminist thrillers "Butter" and "Hooked," has recently made a surprising shift in her writing career. Yuzuki, who was once a prominent figure on the international literary stage, has transitioned to the realm of children's literature with her latest work, "Mari the Unwonderful Witch." This new venture was published in Japan in 2023 and is set to be released in English translation by Ecre Karadag at the end of September.
The promotional materials for "Mari the Unwonderful Witch" paint a picture of a charming and cozy story. The book is described as having "cozy" illustrations by Yukako Sakaguchi and a cute cover by Yuuki Jia. However, one must not be misled by the seemingly innocent exterior. The ad copy does not do justice to the complex narrative that awaits readers within the pages of this book.
Asako Yuzuki's decision to venture into children's literature marks a significant departure from her previous works. Her previous novels, "Butter" and "Hooked," were translated into English and gained international acclaim for their psychological depth and feminist themes. The transition to children's literature presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Yuzuki to explore new themes and storytelling styles.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
