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BOOK TOUR STOP x INSTABOOK TOURS - Monkey Man by Takuji Ichikawa

 



"I've seen it before. Kids like you, I mean, an awakening of sorts - a sudden calling."


Yuri had always liked Tengo. Or maybe that's the wrong word for it. She'd always been interested by him, since the moment she first saw him getting into chaos at their high school. But her curiosity was always from afar, until now. She'd been feeling something strange for a while - powers, abilities she can't quite explain. She knows things, can do things that she shouldn't. And this newfound intutiton is telling her Tengo might just be like her - and if that's the case who knows what they'd be capable of together. 

So when the mysterious and infamous activist Monkey Man, Yuri's Idol, hints to the existence of the awakening, she knows something world-shattering is about to begin. 

In under 80 pages, this short story manages to create an entire world in so very few pages. With such a uniquely beautiful writing style, this story blends a world of science with poetry and philosophy to create something stunning. The translation, by Lisa and Daniel Lilley, is practically flawless. A few sections felt worded slightly odd, giving the feeling of forced exposition in places, but this didn't impact the readability for me. Of course we are left with questions, as usually happens with such a quick story, but there is just enough time for us to become connected to our characters and their journey. Yuri and Tengo were brilliantly written, and each supporting character were still perfectly memorable with their own distinct personality and purpose. 

In the universe of Monkey Man, the world is failing - viruses sweep through the populations, climate change is ravaging the world and the people in charge who are meant to protect us are betraying us - threatening to leave the young people of the world in danger before their lives even really begin. The dystopian not-too-distant future is masterfully crafted, thick with tension, as we quickly unravel the clues that give us a whole picture of how the world works, who is in charge, and just how it could be saved.

Providing powerful commentary about consumerism, corruption and climate change, even referencing Extinction Rebellion (who you should definitely join) - this was a call to arms for humanity to take up a cause and fight for our planet, for fairness and equality. 


The Red Circle Minis Collection including Monkey Man will be released September 22nd.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



About The Author

Takuji Ichikawa is an author who ignores traditional boundaries, and is impossible to pigeonhole; whose positive fantastical narratives touch the soul through storytelling that not only 'transforms and heals', but also sells in the millions.

A full list of the author's publications can be downloaded here as a PDF file.

About The Publisher

In November 2018 Red Circle launched its publishing programme with its series Red Circle Minis. Each of the books is a first edition written specifically for the series and is being published in English first. Red Circle is now working very closely with its authors to build their careers, profiles and readership globally. 

With this in mind, Red Circle is creating a network of international partnerships. These currently include collaborations with TranNet, Tokyo’s leading book translation company that has translated hundreds of titles from leading international and local publishers into Japanese, English and other languages; and Japanese Writers’ House, a highly regarded Tokyo-based literary agency.

Red Circle’s logo, which consists of two fused circles, drawn using a traditional Japanese calligraphy brush and ink, by each of the Company’s founders, reflects its approach and strategy of bringing together companies, organisations and individuals with a love of and fascination with contemporary Japanese creative writing.

Red Circle is also working on new projects and more books with its curated circle of authors. 

If you would like to be kept informed about Red Circle and its projects please register here.





Thank you to Red Circle & InstaBookTours for inviting me to take part in this tour. I was gifted a copy of this title in return for an honest review. 
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