*SHORTLISTED FOR THE PEN TRANSLATION PRIZE*
An unfulfilled college student hurtles through four parallel realities to explore the what-might''ve-been and the what-should-never-be in this Groundhog Day meets The Midnight Library–esque novel from one of Japan’s most popular authors.
Our protagonist, an unnamed junior at a prestigious university in Kyoto, is on the verge of dropping out. After rebelling against the dictatorial jock president of the film club, he and his worst and only friend, the diabolical creep Ozu, are personas non grata on campus. For two years, our protagonist has made all the wrong decisions, and now he''s about to make another mistake. He and Ozu are preparing for revenge—a fireworks attack at the film club''s welcoming party for new members. Then, a chance encounter with a self-proclaimed god sets the confused and distraught young man on a new course. Destiny will bring him togeth
