Marie Mutsuki Mockett's family owns a Buddhist temple but after the Fukushima disaster, radiation levels prohibited the burial of her Japanese grandfather's bones. As Japan mourned, Mockett also grieved for her American father who had died unexpectedly. Seeking consolation, Mockett is guided by a colourful cast of Zen priests and ordinary Japanese who perform rituals that disturb, haunt and finally uplift her.

About the Author
Marie Mutsuki Mockett's novel Picking Bones from Ash was shortlisted for the 2010 Saroyan Prize and the Asian American Literary Awards for Fiction and was a finalist for the Paterson Prize. She has written for the New York Times, Salon, National Geographic, and other publications. She lives in San Francisco.

Reviews
"Mockettt's book is a moving and lyrically written account of her physical and emotional journey to a side of Japan few of us are privileged enough ever to see." -- Literary Review
"[Mockett] has written an odd, revealing and at times very painful book, but one that is ultimately consoling." -- The Belfast Telegraph
"[Mockett] sweeps away some of the stereotypes [of the Japanese] as she learns how the country is dealing with its collective grief through stoicism, denial, spiritual belief, and even humour." -- New Internationalist


Awards
Short-listed for PEN/Open Book Award 2016 and Northern California Book Award 2016 and ABA Indies Choice Book Award 2016.



Book Information
ISBN 9780393352290
Author Marie Mutsuki Mockett
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 261g
Dimensions(mm) 211mm * 140mm * 23mm