Truancy by Isamu Fukui

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I have an advance reading copy of Truancy, by Isamu Fukui.  The book comes out in hardcover on March 4th.

Truancy is about a dystopian society run by “The Mayor” and his “Educators”, and it was written by, get this, a fifteen year old.  This is no kid’s book, however: it’s filled with a lot of pain and misery, death, murder, and psychological abuse.  But it’s also pretty good, especially considering this is a “first” book, written by one so young.  Fukui’s age allows for a unique and personal perspective to his story…

The concept sounds silly at first:  It’s about Tack, a young man growing up in a nameless city.  He’s just trying to keep his head above water as he juggles indifferent parents and unrelenting school work.  His teachers are abusive… troubled students are expelled and murdered, for example.

Against this society, the Truants fight.  They aren’t much better than the Educators:  they aren’t above killing innocents in their fight against the establishment.  “Collateral Damage,” they say.  And after a personal tragedy, Tack finds himself drawn to their cause, yet alienated by their ways.

Isamu’s writing is a bit rough around the edges.  However, he tells an interesting story.  This kid has won several awards… he started writing when he was thirteen.  So, I would suggest picking this one up.  It might be a collector’s item some day!  In the meantime, it just might make you think.

AMAZON

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