Why Fault Lines by Emily Itami Should Be Your Next Read
Emily Itami grew up in Tokyo and returned there to live when her children were young. She now lives in London.
Why Fault Lines Should Be Your Next Read: Exploring Emily Itami’s Debut
Emily Itami’s Fault Lines follows Mizuki, a Tokyo housewife whose quietly curated life is upended by an unexpected friendship—and romance—with a charming restaurateur. Through flashbacks to her rebellious days singing in a New York City band and wrestling with Japan’s rigid school system, we witness her struggle to reconcile the assertive, adventurous teenager she once was with the dutiful mother she’s become.
You can get a copy of Fault Lines by Emily Itami on Amazon or Bookshop.
My Review
Reading Fault Lines felt like hearing a close friend confess her deepest fears and regrets over tea. Mizuki’s journey—from rural Japan to the bright lights of New York and back again—captures the ache of wanting more than what society expects. You’ll find yourself rooting for her when she belts out a song in a cramped club, and aching alongside her when Tatsuya’s indifference casts a shadow over her happy marriage.
What You’ll Experience
- An intimate portrait of a woman caught between two cultures
- Vivid contrasts between Tokyo’s social conventions and New York’s rebellious music scene
- A raw depiction of loneliness, longing, and the courage it takes to reclaim your voice
By the time Mizuki allows herself to explore a new romance, you’ll understand why she needed to feel truly seen. This novel leaves you with a bittersweet warmth—and reminds you of the power of embracing your own personal “fault lines.”
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Listen to the Author Interview
Dive deeper into Fault Lines with Emily Itami herself. Press play on this audio-only interview, where we talk about her literary debut, inspiration and hopes for the novel, learn more about her reading and writing life, play some fun games, plus lots more.
You can get a copy of Fault Lines by Emily Itami on Amazon or Bookshop.
Meet: Emily Itami
What was the last book that you read that you’d now recommend?
Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny – it’s so warm and empathetic, I loved it.
Have you read any classics lately that you were reading for the first time?
I read Brave New World a few months ago.
Do you re-read books? And if yes, what was your last re-read?
All the time! I think I read The Poisonwood Bible for about the fourth time recently.
What are your go-to genres?
I like books that are all about the characters; I don’t really mind if not a huge amount happens.What is your favorite childhood book?
Thursday’s Children by Rumer Godden.
What books are on your bedside table right now?
Hungry by Grace Dent, Still Life by Sarah Winman, and Charmed Life by Diana Wynne Jones, which I’m reading to my kids.
Do you bookmark or dogear your page in a book?
Dogear.
What is your ideal reading setting?
A beach.
Tell us about your favorite indie bookstore?
The totally wonderful Bookbar in Finsbury Park. It’s a coffee shop, wine bar, and book shop, and Chrissy Ryan, who runs it, has the knack of recommending the perfect book for any situation.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
Probably the first time I invented an excuse for something, and somebody believed me.
What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
I went to Cochin after I read The God of Small Things. It was just as beautiful as I hoped it would be.
Where do you get most of your writing and editing done?
At the kitchen table, or on transport with earplugs.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Both, usually in the same day.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I guess it depends on what qualifies as a half-finished book!
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
Some of them…I feel relatively detached from my work when it’s being written about. Sometimes.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Keep going!
When you’re not reading or writing, what are you doing?
Teaching, and trying to civilize my children.
What are your three favorite things right now?
Sunshine, caffeine, and sugar.
Your favorite travel destination and why?
Japan! It’s home, and it’s been too long.
What’s your favorite meal and go-to drink order?
Maguro-don and Asahi beer.
What six people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?
My entire family, dead and alive. Although that might be more than six people.
If a movie was made of your life, what genre would it be, who would play you?
Slapstick comedy, Jim Carey.
What’s the last TV show or movie you watched that was really good?
I loved The Morning Show, can’t wait for Season 2.
You have to sing karaoke; what song do you pick?
Crazy by Gnarls Barkley.
If you were being taken to a deserted island and could only bring one book, what would it be?
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith.
Ready for More?
If Mizuki’s story resonated with you, it’s time to grab your own copy of Fault Lines. Once you finish, drop your thoughts in the comments below—let’s chat about which parts shook you the most and how you’d navigate those cultural fault lines. I can’t wait to hear your take!
You can get a copy of Fault Lines by Emily Itami on Amazon or Bookshop.
