Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books, (2013). SIGNED first edition - The author's highly praised first novel. The Japanese term hikikomori means a complete withdrawal from society, often following an acute trauma. After the death of his young son in a careless accident, Thomas disappears into his bedroom for three years. Desperate to bring him back, his wife hires Megumi, a young Japanese woman, to serve as a 'rental sister,' hoping that her personal experience with Thomas's affliction will help them establish a bond. "Strange and tender. . convincingly portrays the deepening connection between Thomas and Megumi." (Wall Street Journal) SIGNED on the title page. 246 pp.