Ryo Minenami

Self-serving adults and broken dreams push a teenage boy trapped in a dead-end town closer and closer toward the abyss.Reiji’s life is as miserable as the small town he can’t escape. The most interesting thing that’s ever happened there is a double suicide down by the river. Does Reiji have any power over his fate, or will he too fall into the abyss?Reiji meets with Nagi in Tokyo, further igniting Chako’s jealousy. Back in their hometown, Yuko takes drastic steps to clear the way for Reiji to come home. And Reiji’s stepbrother Kazu and Ms. Shiba form an unexpected alliance.

Self-serving adults and broken dreams push a teenage boy trapped in a dead-end town closer and closer toward the abyss.Esemori’s relationship with Reiji’s mother, Yuko, is a complex tale of infidelity, broken hearts, and an attempt at heroism that led to a fateful outcome. How does Esemori’s tragic life inform his writing and his feelings for Reiji? And is Yuko really to blame for everyone else’s suffering?Esemori’s relationship with Reiji’s mother, Yuko, is a complex tale of infidelity, broken hearts, and an attempt at heroism that led to a fateful outcome. How does Esemori’s tragic life inform his writing and his feelings for Reiji? And is Yuko really to blame for everyone else’s suffering?

Self-serving adults and broken dreams push a teenage boy trapped in a dead-end town closer and closer toward the abyss.Reiji’s life is as miserable as the small town he can’t escape. The most interesting thing that’s ever happened there is a double suicide down by the river. Does Reiji have any power over his fate, or will he too fall into the abyss?Reiji, Gen, and Chako have escaped to Tokyo, the city of their dreams. Now what? To understand their present and dream of a brighter future, they must first understand their past. Esemori tells the story of his teenage relationship with Reiji’s mother—a tale of violence, redemption, lost love, regret…and fire.

Self-serving adults and broken dreams push a teenage boy trapped in a dead-end town closer and closer toward the abyss.Reiji’s life is as miserable as the small town he can’t escape. The most interesting thing that’s ever happened there is a double suicide down by the river. Does Reiji have any power over his fate, or will he too fall into the abyss?Reiji, Gen, and Chako become ever more entangled in Ms. Shiba’s web of lies and manipulation. Finally, the childhood friends have the courage to leave town for Tokyo. But sometimes achieving a dream only leads to new problems. Is it true that you can never escape yourself?

Self-serving adults and broken dreams push a teenage boy trapped in a dead-end town closer and closer toward the abyss.Reiji’s life is as miserable as the small town he can’t escape. The most interesting thing that’s ever happened there is a double suicide down by the river. Does Reiji have any power over his fate, or will he too fall into the abyss?Gen disappears from town, Reiji drops out of school, and Chako’s unshakable optimism takes a hit. Meanwhile, Reiji’s former teacher Ms. Shiba finds new ways to meddle in their lives. Plus Reiji’s older brother finally emerges from his room…with a surprising request.