Book Review: American Fuji

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

American Fuji     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Sara Backer
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Putnam, Jan 2001, $24.95, 384 pp.

American therapist Alex Thorn on tour in Japan is allegedly promoting his book Why Love Fails. However, Alex has a deeper reason for his trip here. He needs to learn what happened to his son who died while a student in Japan. Alex's son was a practicing Buddhist and thus did not believe in organ donation. When his son died, his body lacked a heart, apparently harvested for transport use.

The only clue Alex possesses is the cancelled check he made out to "Gone with the Wind", a Disney-like funeral service. Alex meets expatriate American Gaby Stanton, who informs him her company, has no record of his son and the bill is a clever forgery. Together they look for answers and Alex's grief lessens as he comes to care for his companion. She, in turn, learns that she wants to remain in Japan for more than just the medical coverage that helps pay for her health condition.

Sara Barker has written a mainstream drama that is unusual and poignant. The audience gains a unique glimpse into Japanese culture while realizing that when East meets West, anything can happen. AMERICAN FUJI has cross-genre appeal to a wide range of readers who loyally will look for more novels by Ms. Barker.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner