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In a World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love
In his second year of high school, Makoto Tsukishima learns he has only twelve months left to live. Just as he decides to give up on confessing his feelings to the girl he likes, however, she invites him to join the film club. Soon, the two grow closer and begin to feel a connection, but time is running out for Makoto. Conflicted, yet determined to spare her the truth, it's time for him to put a certain plan into action... A story of hope connecting past and future from the author of Even If This Love Disappears Tonight.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published November 19, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 8, 2026
“I don’t know yet how things are going to change for me. Still, when the time comes, I’ll find a way. I’ll choose to live my life in a way that won’t make her sad.” — Makato Tsukishima
In a World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love is one of the most refreshingly beautiful reads I’ve discovered in a very long time. It is that rare read that enriches and expands our own life. Yes, it is about Japanese teenagers moving through life, and it is both a love story and an unabashed tearjerker, but it is far, far more than that feeble description.
In a World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love is a story that does not simply linger upon turning the final page, but becomes a part of each reader going forward, giving them an opportunity to begin anew. Staggeringly lovely in its very simplicity, the Japanese matter-of-factness prevents the narrative within from becoming maudlin, yet manages to rip your heart out all the same.
Misaki Ichijo’s beautifully rendered story is unbearably lovely. It grabs you from the very opening and sweeps you away into its waters. Those waters are like a crystal clear lake beneath the mountains, its surface beauty only eclipsed by the beauty below. Ichijo’s narrative imprints itself on your heart with every word and paragraph read, every page turned, to become a permanent part of you by the time you turn the final page. The credit for that must go to the writer. This meticulously crafted story is a blend of talent, heart, and soul, and its message is as beautiful as it is timeless.
Makoto has a rare disease that he’s dealt with since childhood. He has come of an age where his time left is limited. He is kind, but naturally lonely. He loves his parents, and has no wish for them to grieve more than necessary. The most important thing he wishes to do, is to tell Tsubasa Minami how he feels about her, without her ever finding out about his condition. Makoto believes he can do this, while somehow keeping from her the truth; not just now, but for a very long time.
But Minami is wonderful, a happy soul who likes him as well. Soon he is drawn ever deeper into her world, and her film club. There he meets her protective best friend, Aoi Hayami, whom at first seems almost disdainful of him. She will turn out to be his biggest ally, however. Minami’s joy in making films draws Makoto ever deeper into her world, and her life. This makes his plan to exit off-stage, without anyone knowing, without breaking her heart, and causing grief to the friends he’s made, more and more tricky.
The relationships and interactions of the group of friends is marvelous; both funny and endearing. Ena Toosaki is lovely and talented, a true actress, but also very sweet. Ichiki Nagase is also very nice, and very slight in stature. In contrast, Minami’s closest friend and film collaborator, Hayami, seems harsh and difficult at first. But there is much more to her than meets the eye. She is in fact one of the most memorable and pivotal characters created by the author, who gives all the friends distinct personalities. Once Makoto’s illness begins progressing, it will be Hayami who shows the greatest understanding concerning Makoto’s wishes, making the decision to help him keep his secret.
There are just so many wonderful, heartfelt moments in this story. A day skipping school to go to the amusement park, and some complex deception surrounding a Christmas Eve party are never to be forgotten by any reader. There is great tenderness here, in a story lovingly crafted. Much like The English Patient, In A World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love is the kind of read you have to experience for yourself to truly appreciate its transforming magic. The tenderness is there, the teenage awkwardness, the sweetness, and the ache of enjoying every moment while we still can. Yet it is a story which is more than the sum of its parts.
Yui Kajita did a wonderful job translating this story to English, maintaining the Japanese loveliness of certain passages, managing to capture the sentiments and meanings of the author during delicate scenes, and humorous ones. I have the hardcover of this book, and the cover art by Koichi is gorgeous. Everything about this book is very special, including its heartfelt, resonating message.
My favorite find of 2025, a beautiful novel, deceptive in its simplicity, and rich in rewards for those who are more into great stories than following trends. Wonderful.
In a World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love is one of the most refreshingly beautiful reads I’ve discovered in a very long time. It is that rare read that enriches and expands our own life. Yes, it is about Japanese teenagers moving through life, and it is both a love story and an unabashed tearjerker, but it is far, far more than that feeble description.
In a World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love is a story that does not simply linger upon turning the final page, but becomes a part of each reader going forward, giving them an opportunity to begin anew. Staggeringly lovely in its very simplicity, the Japanese matter-of-factness prevents the narrative within from becoming maudlin, yet manages to rip your heart out all the same.
Misaki Ichijo’s beautifully rendered story is unbearably lovely. It grabs you from the very opening and sweeps you away into its waters. Those waters are like a crystal clear lake beneath the mountains, its surface beauty only eclipsed by the beauty below. Ichijo’s narrative imprints itself on your heart with every word and paragraph read, every page turned, to become a permanent part of you by the time you turn the final page. The credit for that must go to the writer. This meticulously crafted story is a blend of talent, heart, and soul, and its message is as beautiful as it is timeless.
Makoto has a rare disease that he’s dealt with since childhood. He has come of an age where his time left is limited. He is kind, but naturally lonely. He loves his parents, and has no wish for them to grieve more than necessary. The most important thing he wishes to do, is to tell Tsubasa Minami how he feels about her, without her ever finding out about his condition. Makoto believes he can do this, while somehow keeping from her the truth; not just now, but for a very long time.
But Minami is wonderful, a happy soul who likes him as well. Soon he is drawn ever deeper into her world, and her film club. There he meets her protective best friend, Aoi Hayami, whom at first seems almost disdainful of him. She will turn out to be his biggest ally, however. Minami’s joy in making films draws Makoto ever deeper into her world, and her life. This makes his plan to exit off-stage, without anyone knowing, without breaking her heart, and causing grief to the friends he’s made, more and more tricky.
The relationships and interactions of the group of friends is marvelous; both funny and endearing. Ena Toosaki is lovely and talented, a true actress, but also very sweet. Ichiki Nagase is also very nice, and very slight in stature. In contrast, Minami’s closest friend and film collaborator, Hayami, seems harsh and difficult at first. But there is much more to her than meets the eye. She is in fact one of the most memorable and pivotal characters created by the author, who gives all the friends distinct personalities. Once Makoto’s illness begins progressing, it will be Hayami who shows the greatest understanding concerning Makoto’s wishes, making the decision to help him keep his secret.
There are just so many wonderful, heartfelt moments in this story. A day skipping school to go to the amusement park, and some complex deception surrounding a Christmas Eve party are never to be forgotten by any reader. There is great tenderness here, in a story lovingly crafted. Much like The English Patient, In A World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love is the kind of read you have to experience for yourself to truly appreciate its transforming magic. The tenderness is there, the teenage awkwardness, the sweetness, and the ache of enjoying every moment while we still can. Yet it is a story which is more than the sum of its parts.
Yui Kajita did a wonderful job translating this story to English, maintaining the Japanese loveliness of certain passages, managing to capture the sentiments and meanings of the author during delicate scenes, and humorous ones. I have the hardcover of this book, and the cover art by Koichi is gorgeous. Everything about this book is very special, including its heartfelt, resonating message.
My favorite find of 2025, a beautiful novel, deceptive in its simplicity, and rich in rewards for those who are more into great stories than following trends. Wonderful.
September 26, 2025
"We come in all kinds, and every one of us is carrying their own load, in their own way."
There are stories that do more than entertain—they slip past your defenses like a dream remembered at dawn, or a half-heard hymn on a dusty road at sunset. In a World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love is one such story. It doesn't shout to be heard. It just finds you wherever you are in life, and quietly takes your hand.
This book is a whisper in the dark, a gentle voice telling you that even amid the noise and the cruelty of the world, there is still grace to be found. It reminds you that kindness still matters. That dignity, even in the face of death, still matters. That love, in all its ragged imperfection, may be the only thing that truly does.
From the very first page, we walk alongside Makoto, a teenage boy who knows the horizon of his life has already begun to narrow. He bears the weight of a rare illness with quiet courage, shielding those he loves from the sorrow to come. It’s not martyrdom—it's something more honest than that. He simply wants to spare others a burden he’s already accepted as his own. But life, as it so often does, surprises him.
When Tsubasa, Aoi, Ena, and Ichiki invite him into their film-making club, the loneliness that had once stalked him like a shadow begins to thin. What unfolds is not a melodrama, nor a simple tale of teenage friendship—it’s a deeply human story, painted in fine brushstrokes. Each character breathes with their own burdens, their own quiet desperations, and the small, stubborn hopes they carry in their pockets like lucky stones.
Ichijo writes with a grace that feels both old and young—like someone who has looked grief in the eye but still remembers the thrill of a first crush. The world she creates is made of small rooms broken by laughter, starry nights, and secrets tucked behind shy smiles. It’s tender. It’s tragic. But more than anything, it is honest—and quietly, defiantly hopeful.
Even the cover, saturated with melancholic beauty, feels like a promise kept.
In her Afterword, Misaki Ichijo thanks her readers for taking the time to journey through her story. But it is we who owe her our gratitude. She has given us something rare: a novel that refuses to be forgotten, that stays with you like the scent of rain on dry earth or the memory of a voice you once loved.
If this book found its way into the hands of every teenager, and into the hearts of those who have forgotten what it meant to be young and afraid and in love, perhaps we’d all carry our burdens a little differently. Perhaps we’d see each other with more mercy.
And perhaps the world, heavy as it is, would become just a little bit lighter.
There are stories that do more than entertain—they slip past your defenses like a dream remembered at dawn, or a half-heard hymn on a dusty road at sunset. In a World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love is one such story. It doesn't shout to be heard. It just finds you wherever you are in life, and quietly takes your hand.
This book is a whisper in the dark, a gentle voice telling you that even amid the noise and the cruelty of the world, there is still grace to be found. It reminds you that kindness still matters. That dignity, even in the face of death, still matters. That love, in all its ragged imperfection, may be the only thing that truly does.
From the very first page, we walk alongside Makoto, a teenage boy who knows the horizon of his life has already begun to narrow. He bears the weight of a rare illness with quiet courage, shielding those he loves from the sorrow to come. It’s not martyrdom—it's something more honest than that. He simply wants to spare others a burden he’s already accepted as his own. But life, as it so often does, surprises him.
When Tsubasa, Aoi, Ena, and Ichiki invite him into their film-making club, the loneliness that had once stalked him like a shadow begins to thin. What unfolds is not a melodrama, nor a simple tale of teenage friendship—it’s a deeply human story, painted in fine brushstrokes. Each character breathes with their own burdens, their own quiet desperations, and the small, stubborn hopes they carry in their pockets like lucky stones.
Ichijo writes with a grace that feels both old and young—like someone who has looked grief in the eye but still remembers the thrill of a first crush. The world she creates is made of small rooms broken by laughter, starry nights, and secrets tucked behind shy smiles. It’s tender. It’s tragic. But more than anything, it is honest—and quietly, defiantly hopeful.
Even the cover, saturated with melancholic beauty, feels like a promise kept.
In her Afterword, Misaki Ichijo thanks her readers for taking the time to journey through her story. But it is we who owe her our gratitude. She has given us something rare: a novel that refuses to be forgotten, that stays with you like the scent of rain on dry earth or the memory of a voice you once loved.
If this book found its way into the hands of every teenager, and into the hearts of those who have forgotten what it meant to be young and afraid and in love, perhaps we’d all carry our burdens a little differently. Perhaps we’d see each other with more mercy.
And perhaps the world, heavy as it is, would become just a little bit lighter.
November 19, 2024
What would John Green's “The fault in our Stars” look like if a Japanese person had written it? If you had also asked yourself this question I would have presented this book as the answer. Much more lyrical and less “human” in some ways, but the crux of the matter remains. Heartbreaking.
Come sarebbe "Colpa delle stelle" di John Green se l'avesse scritto una persona giapponese? Se anche voi vi foste fatti questa domanda io vi avrei presentato questo libro come risposta. Molto piú lirico e meno "umano" per certi versi, ma il nocciolo della questione rimane. Straziante.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Come sarebbe "Colpa delle stelle" di John Green se l'avesse scritto una persona giapponese? Se anche voi vi foste fatti questa domanda io vi avrei presentato questo libro come risposta. Molto piú lirico e meno "umano" per certi versi, ma il nocciolo della questione rimane. Straziante.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
November 30, 2024
Sometimes you live through a movie that makes you think , if this were a movie, maybe the credits would roll here―but life goes on.- Misaki Ichijo
Having already been moved by Misaki Ichijo's 'Even If This Love Disappears Tonight' and 'Even If These Tears Disappear Tonight', I had high hopes for 'In a World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love'. Honestly, this story hit me harder than anything else I've read by this author.
You know from the beginning that Makoto Tsukishima is living with a terminal illness, but Ichijo masterfully draws you into the experience. You see the world through Tsukishima's eyes as his condition worsens, but you also witness the ripple effects of his suffering on those around him.
This book forces you to confront difficult questions. How far would you go to shield loved ones from grief? What constitutes truth when facing mortality? Is it kinder to acknowledge the harsh reality or preserve a comforting illusion? 'In a World of Lies...' explores the complexities of love, loss, and the human condition with remarkable depth.
I was completely captivated. Ichijo's writing is both beautiful and heartbreaking, and I found myself deeply invested in the characters' struggles. This book sparked a profound introspection about my own life, my relationships, and the legacy I want to leave behind.
If you're looking for a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, I highly recommend 'In a World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love'. Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
Having already been moved by Misaki Ichijo's 'Even If This Love Disappears Tonight' and 'Even If These Tears Disappear Tonight', I had high hopes for 'In a World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love'. Honestly, this story hit me harder than anything else I've read by this author.
You know from the beginning that Makoto Tsukishima is living with a terminal illness, but Ichijo masterfully draws you into the experience. You see the world through Tsukishima's eyes as his condition worsens, but you also witness the ripple effects of his suffering on those around him.
This book forces you to confront difficult questions. How far would you go to shield loved ones from grief? What constitutes truth when facing mortality? Is it kinder to acknowledge the harsh reality or preserve a comforting illusion? 'In a World of Lies...' explores the complexities of love, loss, and the human condition with remarkable depth.
I was completely captivated. Ichijo's writing is both beautiful and heartbreaking, and I found myself deeply invested in the characters' struggles. This book sparked a profound introspection about my own life, my relationships, and the legacy I want to leave behind.
If you're looking for a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, I highly recommend 'In a World of Lies, I Fell into an Unforgettable Love'. Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
October 12, 2025
This author never disappoints with her books
All her books are well written and I love her style
All her books are well written and I love her style
December 29, 2025
At first I wasn’t super into this one, but as the story continued, I became much more invested in the plot. A very comfortable read for sure
November 29, 2025
I never really thought I could cry this much this year, but after Interstellar, I seemed to be crying over everything, and just like every other Jap-Lit book I've read this month (which had only been one), I cried. I don't know what else to say other than it moved me to the point of tears. I'm not supposed to cry a lot. I'm glad there are books like these that could make that happen and I think that's why they mean so much to me.
November 16, 2025
This is now my favorite book. It was written so beautifully and let me tell you, as soon as i opened this book I was shocked because like the way it was structured was new to me, but now, I love it. This book, how it’s written, the cover, the emotion, how descriptive it was. It shocked me, made me cry, made me smile, and so much more. This book gave multiple perspectives while filling the reader in on the story and it just added so much. If you see this and you’re contemplating reading this book, DO read this. It’s a great decision and a great way to pass time.
January 19, 2026
The narrators were incredible (of course). I didn't expect to like it as much as EITLDT, and I didn't, but I also didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. This author has a way of writing emotional catharsis unlike any other. I am waiting to get the sequel in before I reread EITLDT. But let's talk about the book itself.
This book made me want to watch more movies, thanks to the passion the characters displayed. It is funny how reading is what makes me appreciate cinema more, not films themselves. It's kind of ironic. I've been feeling kind of depressed. I think I just need to read a book like this when I need some perspective on life. I think I can probably track how often I get depressed by how often I will need to reread this author's works. Hopefully, they don't lose their magic over time. Hopefully, (s)he writes more.
I'm not sure if this was enough to get me out of a reading slump, but it helped with something. Not sure exactly what yet. Clearing my nostrils, maybe lol. I wonder if in the future I'll be able to tell which of my reviews were written with/without the "aid" of Grammarly. God, I just want to cry even more. I hope this gets turned into a movie or show, too.
I reread this while Jess read it for the first time. Being able to talk about one of my favorite author's works with someone made me love it even more. The experience of sharing something so meaningful with someone who reacted so strongly was everything. I bumped this from a 4.5 to a 4.75, and I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up as a five star read sometime in the future. This author could single handedly convince me to learn Japanese.
It was interesting to see what stuck with me during my first read of the novel (and what didn't stick, namely the romance). I was really worried that I wouldn't cry this time, and even though I cried less than I did the first time, I was very pleased that this book hadn't lost its hold on me. Jess also read the afterword for me (which doesn't exist in the audiobook), and that made me see the novel differently too.
I keep a mental bookshelf of books I read when life feels like a chore. This book will forever have a permanent place on that bookshelf. With all the books I read, it's only natural that most will fade in my memory. While I certainly don't recall every last detail of this one, I can say for certain that the overarching message will shine like a guiding star in my memories for the rest of my life.
This book made me want to watch more movies, thanks to the passion the characters displayed. It is funny how reading is what makes me appreciate cinema more, not films themselves. It's kind of ironic. I've been feeling kind of depressed. I think I just need to read a book like this when I need some perspective on life. I think I can probably track how often I get depressed by how often I will need to reread this author's works. Hopefully, they don't lose their magic over time. Hopefully, (s)he writes more.
I'm not sure if this was enough to get me out of a reading slump, but it helped with something. Not sure exactly what yet. Clearing my nostrils, maybe lol. I wonder if in the future I'll be able to tell which of my reviews were written with/without the "aid" of Grammarly. God, I just want to cry even more. I hope this gets turned into a movie or show, too.
I reread this while Jess read it for the first time. Being able to talk about one of my favorite author's works with someone made me love it even more. The experience of sharing something so meaningful with someone who reacted so strongly was everything. I bumped this from a 4.5 to a 4.75, and I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up as a five star read sometime in the future. This author could single handedly convince me to learn Japanese.
It was interesting to see what stuck with me during my first read of the novel (and what didn't stick, namely the romance). I was really worried that I wouldn't cry this time, and even though I cried less than I did the first time, I was very pleased that this book hadn't lost its hold on me. Jess also read the afterword for me (which doesn't exist in the audiobook), and that made me see the novel differently too.
I keep a mental bookshelf of books I read when life feels like a chore. This book will forever have a permanent place on that bookshelf. With all the books I read, it's only natural that most will fade in my memory. While I certainly don't recall every last detail of this one, I can say for certain that the overarching message will shine like a guiding star in my memories for the rest of my life.
February 3, 2025
2.5 stars
Although this was another good story by the author, it was too similar to her previous works. The way it was written I wouldn't event be surprised if we got a follow up book showing more perspective like we did for her other book.
Although this was another good story by the author, it was too similar to her previous works. The way it was written I wouldn't event be surprised if we got a follow up book showing more perspective like we did for her other book.
December 15, 2024
one of the best read. totally an emotional rollercoaster.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews