The Fetishist by Katherine Min

{"summary":"In \"The Fetishist,\" Kyoko, a young Japanese American punk-rock singer, seeks revenge on Daniel, the man she blames for her mother's death. Armed with a knife and a plan, she follows him home, but her attempt at retribution spirals into unexpected chaos. The story unfolds through the intertwined lives of Kyoko, Daniel, a violinist grappling with his past, and Alma, a Korean American cellist reflecting on her life and love. This novel explores themes of race, identity, and the complexities of human relationships."}

The 17117th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 0

This book was first published in 2024

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