Kakigori Summer

I adore Emily Itami’s writing … Kakigori Summer is a novel about belonging, both within a family and the wider world, and I loved retreating into its cocoon of sibling humour as the sisters briefly stepped back to discover their place in it. Cosy, dreamy, although you’re never too far from a line that’s sharply astute – FLORENCE KNAPP, author of THE NAMESThe writing is just beautiful as is the way Emily captures place … I was on that beach with them and the way Emily makes you feel those sweet moments of joy when the sisters are together is just perfection – GEORGINA MOORE, author of THE GARNETT GIRLSI loved Kakigori Summer … The sisters felt completely real, my sympathies finely balanced between all three of them and their different internal struggles were beautifully and poignantly evoked … I loved the well-crafted prose, the distinctive, slightly acerbic turns of phrase … joyful and uplifting too: the romantic and hopeful ending felt just right – KATE MURRAY-BROWNE, author of ONE GIRL BEGANA sensory journey through a summer on the Japanese coast and into the very corners of the hearts of sisters Rei, Kiki and Ai. It’s wonderful – KATE SAWYER, author of THIS FAMILYDeliciously acerbic and very funny. This is the most perfect book to see you through your own summer and I couldn’t have loved it more – MARIANNE LEVY, author of DON’T FORGET TO SCREAMThis novel had me hooked from the first chapter. Three sisters, Japan, the complexities of family bonds, love and loss. I got totally immersed in their lives. It’s funny and insightful and poignant and uplifting … And a rare accolade - the most excellent and satisfying ending! – KAREN ANGELICO, author of EVERYTHING WE AREAn inviting and wistful tale of three sisters who reunite during a crisis … Itami strikes just the right chord, showing how the sisters indulge their nostalgia for happier times even as they attempt to reckon with their painful memories. Readers are in for a treat * Publisher’s Weekly *Itami’s voice is sharp, funny, and deeply empathetic, weaving together wit and poignancy in a character-driven narrative that feels fresh, heartfelt, and painfully real – BooklistA bittersweet and wry family drama for fans of Sally Rooney * Library Journal *

Emily Itami grew up in Tokyo before moving to London, where she now lives with her young family. She has been published widely as a freelance journalist and travel writer. Her first novel, Fault Lines, was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award.