Talking Cure

by Munehito Moro

Elizabeth Wayne escapes small-town Ohio and lands in Tokyo, hoping for a clean slate. Teaching English by day and unraveling in therapy by night, she’s adrift—until she forms an unexpected bond with a fellow outsider. As their fragile friendship deepens, so does the sense that something is off in the city around them.

When a surreal conspiracy surfaces—North Korea, the CIA, and a threat to a global pop icon—Elizabeth is forced to confront what it means to belong, to trust, and to survive.

TALKING CURE is a story of friendship, reinvention, and quiet courage. Perfect for readers of My Year of Rest and Relaxation and Normal People, it’s haunting, tender, and unforgettable.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2025

About the author

Munehito Moro is a Japanese author who writes in English. Born in Ibaraki Prefecture, he grew up immersed in espionage novels. After studying at both the University of Tokyo and International Christian University, he earned a liberal arts degree, which, as it turns out, is only truly useful for crafting fiction.

A veteran English teacher, Moro channels his experiences and passions into his novels. His debut, Empire of Blood , examines Japan's imperialist past and the lingering shadows of historical atrocities. His second, Talking Cure , offers an incisive look at the life of an English teacher in Tokyo.

Instagram: @munehito_writing_japan

Reviews

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars.

This ended up not being for me after all. The blurb was intriguing to me but ended up having too many pop references, a lot of politics (I did appreciate the American president slander), and other media mentions that I didn’t relate much to.

While I did value the political talks and the stance, I also wasn’t expecting such a political book. Nothing wrong with that if that’s what you’re looking for, but unfortunately with everything wrong going on in the world, I want to escape reality instead of reliving it while reading. I wish I had known this before reading because I probably would’ve chosen to skip this one just due to personal preference.

The writing wasn’t too bad but some of the sentences and wording were very repetitive. A good example of what I mean is at the very start of the book with the word “body” being overly used: “Between the two is my body, lying prostrate on the floor. ​Next to me is a body. A man’s body. ​Elation is cocooning my body. A conviction shoots up through my body like electricity.”

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A raw and memorable unpacking of mental illness, identity, and urban isolation. Ideal for readers who enjoy finishing a book with more questions than answers. It’s difficult to tell whether the surreal events are meant to be literal, symbolic, or purely the product of Elizabeth’s deteriorating mental state. That ambiguity might be alluring to some but may frustrate readers looking for clearer answers or narrative resolution. Thanks to the author for the Goodreads giveaway Kindle copy.

[Sarah McQueen-Amsden · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a Taylor Swift fan and you also enjoy psychological dramas, then this is right up your alley. Even though I am not a Swifty (Swiftie?), I could follow the references back to her music, because they are fairly mainstream. This book was unusual and left me wondering what was supposed to be reality and what may have been what was in the main character's head. I would recommend this as a quick read for those who enjoy "What just happened?" moments.

[Bianca Vandenbos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talking Cure tells the story of a woman named Elizabeth “Liz” Wayne stuck in her small town of Ohio dealing with depression and desperate for a fresh start. When Liz gets a once in a lifetime chance to teach English in Japan, she jumps at the opportunity. Liz’s life takes an exciting and bizarre turn soon after she arrives in Tokyo as she’s drawn into working with an American couple Ben and Jessica who are apart of the CIA. Liz also uncovers a sinister plot to assassinate Taylor Swift and other government schemes after being abducted by North Korea.

Story, Writing & Its Comical

Munehito Moro is a great storyteller and writer. It’s a quick read; I began it this morning and finished it tonight. I probably could have finished it in the afternoon, but I had things to do in between. Yes, there are wacky situations that go on, that you know realistically would never happen in real life, but that’s what makes this book entertaining! There were a few comical parts in this story too. The most comical part was the end, and I don’t want to spoil too much. It will make you think, What the hell did I just read? Whether you love it or hate it, it’s not something you read every day. With how the book ended, I hope there’s a sequel. If you enjoy books that have espionage, Japan, and plenty of anime & Taylor Swift references then I recommend Talking Cure by Munehito Moro which is available to read now wherever books are sold! I look forward to doing this Behind The Book Q&A with you Munehito!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's no doubt that the author knows his topic! It brought me back to my own eikaiwa days in Tokyo in the 1980s and it was fun to see both similarities and differences. The story itself is preposterous. But has enough reality in it to make the reader wonder just how preposterous it is, after all. Parts of it amused me, parts of it puzzled me and parts of it just made me want to give the main character (and a few others) a hug. It's a very different kind of story and I can't even begin to categorize it. And as a librarian, I do want to categorize it! But mostly I want to stand up and clap my hands for the author. It's one of those books where if you know, you know. I fear many readers won't understand it, but those that do will appreciate it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It certainly held my attention as it unwound. The author hit the bull's eye!

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Thank you!