Fear and Trembling

“A young Western woman’s experience of culture shock and psychological panic take frantic comic form in this highly entertaining” novella (Kirkus).

“[A] polished little satire.”—The Wall Street Journal

“[A] scathingly funny novella.”—Newsday

According to ancient Japanese protocol, foreigners deigning to approach the emperor did so only with fear and trembling. Terror and self-abasement conveyed respect. Amélie, our well-intentioned and eager young Western heroine, goes to Japan to spend a year working at the Yumimoto Corporation. Returning to the land where she was born is the fulfillment of a dream for Amélie; working there turns into comic nightmare.

Alternately disturbing and hilarious, unbelievable and shatteringly convincing, Amélie Nothomb's Fear and Trembling will keep readers clutching tight to the pages of this taut little novel, caught up in the throes of fear, trembling, and, ultimately, delight.

“Elegantly written…. Nothomb demonstrates a shrewd understanding of the intricate ways Japanese relationships are made and spoiled.”—The New York TimesBook Review

“Nothomb is the latest enfant terrible of French letters…. [She has] an acidic yet passionately romantic view of human nature.”—Elle