The Art of Vanishing

A Novel

By: Lynne Kutsukake

Narrated by: Emily Shelton

"A fascinating glimpse into the intersection of art, class, and the complexity of adult friendship. . . . I couldn’t put this book down.”—Waubgeshig Rice, author of Moon of the Turning Leaves

An intimate, explosive story of creativity and friendship between two young Japanese women in 1970s Tokyo.

Akemi’s desire for independence and aversion to marriage are unusual in her small village. A gift for drawing allows her to move to a rooming house in Tokyo where she studies medical illustration, finding satisfaction in the precision and purpose of her work. Sayako is the first roommate to pay Akemi attention, and they quickly become inseparable—Sayako drawn to Akemi’s humble origins, so distinct from her own insufferable, wealthy family; Akemi attracted to Sayako’s rebelliousness and her aspiration to be a painter.

As Akemi begins to model for Sayako, their connection deepens. Together, they attend ‘happenings,' encounters arranged by two enigmatic artists, Nezu and Kaori, in random locations, intended to free them from their worldly attachments. Following a devastating betrayal, Sayako disappears, and Akemi becomes determined to find her—and in the process, must newly face herself.

Tender, enthralling, and evocative of the energy of Japan in the 1970s, The Art of Vanishing is the story of a young woman struggling to see and be seen; of authenticity and art; of the thin line between loyalty and obsession.

©2024 Lynne Kutsukake (P)2024 Knopf Canada

Critic reviews

“The Art of Vanishing is a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of art, class, and the complexity of adult friendship. Through intricately clever prose, Lynne Kutsukake reveals resounding universal truths about creativity and humanity. The young characters at the centre of this story feel authentic and unique yet relatable, even from the other side of the globe. I was absolutely drawn to their evolving relationships and challenges, and couldn’t put this book down.” —Waubgeshig Rice, author of Moon of the Turning Leaves

“Lynne Kutsukake’s spell-casting powers are fully evident in this intricate and existentially thrilling novel about art and a fraught female friendship that draws readers into the vital flux of 1970s Tokyo. I am such a fan of Kutsukake’s work. Her ability to intimately express the discomfort and heat of her characters’ emotions—their love, dependency and rivalry—left me in awe.” —Kyo Maclear, author of Unearthing

“A beautiful examination of the power of friendship and creative expression in the search for identity and belonging.” —Nazanine Hozar, author of Aria