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Start giftingThe Lost Souls of Benzaiten
Narrator
Mirai
This audiobook uses AI narration.
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Length
9 hours 31 minutes
Language
English
Bookseller recommendation
“I wasn't really sure what to expect with this one. A girl who wants to be a robot vacuum cleaner? Sounds silly. What I got was a beautiful exploration of adolescent mental health and other heavy themes, but the inclusion of the Japanese mythology kept things fresh and interesting without weighing the narrative down. It somehow maintained a hopeful tone, and the writing was excellent.”
— Amber • Quail Ridge Books
Summary
“I wish to become one of those round vacuum cleaner robots.” That’s what Machi prays for at the altar of Japanese goddess Benzaiten. Ever since her two best friends decided they want nothing to do with her, Machi hasn’t been able to speak. After months of online school and a carousel of therapists, she can no longer see the point of being human. She doesn’t expect Benzaiten to hear her prayer, much less offer a different prayer on Machi’s behalf—that Machi discover the beauty of humanity, ultimately restoring her to her previous self.
Benzaiten is enamored with the human world and, as she’s the goddess of love, humanity is enamored right back. Being second-best once again isn’t helping Machi move past her trauma, and with each adventure they share, Machi is reminded of everything she’s lost. It isn’t until Machi starts interacting with the souls of the dead—which tends to happen around Benzaiten—that she starts to rediscover her place among the living.
From an author to watch, The Lost Souls of Benzaiten is a highly original debut about the nature of happiness and the potential for healing.
“Tenderly told and vividly imagined, The Lost Souls of Benzaiten shines with originality and empathy. A stunning debut.”—Sarah Suk, author of The Space between Here & Now