Tokyo Suite marks the English-language debut of one of the most exciting voices in contemporary Brazilian literature.
This gripping book explores the complexities of modern family life and the tensions simmering beneath the surface of ordinary existence.
On what seems to be a typical morning, Maju, a nanny, boards a bus with Cora, the young girl she cares for, and disappears. Her abduction of Cora, an impulsive yet extreme act, sets off a chain of events that forces each character to confront their deepest fears and desires.
Cora’s mother, Fernanda, is a successful executive so consumed by her personal crisis that she initially fails to notice her daughter's disappearance. Her marriage is already under strain and she finds escape in an affair, further distancing herself from her family. Meanwhile, her husband, struggling with the weight of their domestic life, remains emotionally detached.
As Maju moves through the streets of São Paulo with Cora, the “white army” of nannies, a term coined by Fernanda, seems to track her every move, heightening her sense of paranoia and urgency.
Madalosso’s narrative offers a profound exploration of maternal guilt, societal expectations and personal identity. Tokyo Suite is a rich and multi-layered book, focusing more on the characters, their emotions and the choices they make rather than relying heavily on the plot.
The story unfolds through the perspectives of the two women, allowing readers to experience their present thoughts while reflecting on their pasts.
As this is a translation, I cannot say how the English version compares to the original but it remains a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Thank you so much to Daniela at Europa Editions UK for sending me such a beautiful book. The book is available to purchase from the 27th of February 2025.
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