Reading with Jan-Philipp Sendker

Akiko has dared to do what others in her company hardly dare to dream of: quitting her secure and well-paid job. Since then, she has been free - and initially disoriented. Her only friend, the Hikikomori Kento, is too busy with himself and his fears to be of much help to her. Akiko goes alone in search of her father, who left the family shortly after her birth. She travels to rural Japan, far away from the vibrant city of Tokyo. This is where the man her late mother once loved lives. When Akiko stands in front of him, a bitter disappointment awaits her at first: Nothing is as hoped. But then the story takes an unexpected turn. Akiko's journey is long and full of detours, but with every step, every new challenge, she discovers a little more of the power that lies within her.

Jan-Philipp Sendker, born in Hamburg, was Stern's America and Asia correspondent for many years. After another stay in America, he returned to Germany. He lives with his family in Potsdam. His novels have been translated into more than 35 languages. With over 4 million books sold worldwide, he is currently one of the most successful German-language authors. Akiko's Long Journey" is the second part of his series about a young woman in modern Japan who is searching for her roots.