In 2008, the unnamed narrator of Gifted is working as a hostess and living in Tokyo's nightlife district. One day, her estranged mother, who is seriously ill, suddenly turns up at her door. As the mother approaches the end of her life, the two women must navigate their strained relationship, while the narrator also reckons with events happening in her own life, including the death of a close friend - all under the bright lights of Tokyo's 'sleepless town', Kabukicho.
Suzumi Suzuki
Suzumi Suzuki is a Japanese author known for her unique blend of magical realism and contemporary themes. She is best known for her novel "Ring of Fire," which explores the complexities of family relationships and the supernatural in modern Japan. Suzuki's writing style is characterized by lyrical prose and vivid imagery, drawing readers into her fantastical worlds with ease. Her works have had a significant impact on the magical realism genre in Japan, inspiring a new generation of writers to explore similar themes in their own work. Suzuki's ability to seamlessly blend the mundane with the fantastical has solidified her reputation as a master storyteller in contemporary Japanese literature.