Cultivating a Fuji

by Miriam Drori

Convinced that his imperfect, solitary existence is the best it will ever be, Martin unexpectedly finds himself being sent to represent his company in Japan. His colleagues think it’s a joke; his bosses are certain he will fail. What does Martin think? He simply does what he’s told. That’s how he’s survived up to now – by hiding his feelings.

Amazingly, in the land of strange rituals, sweet and juicy apples, and too much saké, Martin flourishes and achieves the impossible. But that’s only the beginning. Keeping up the momentum for change proves futile. So, too, is a return to what he had before. Is there a way forward, or should he put an end to the search now?

Gradually, as you’ll see when Martin looks back from near the end of his journey, life improves. There’s even a woman, Fiona, who brings her own baggage to the relationship, but brightens Martin’s days. And just when you think there can be no more surprises, another one pops up.

Throughout his life, people have laughed at ‘weirdo’ Martin; and you, as you read, will have plenty of opportunity to laugh, too. Go ahead, laugh away, but you’ll find that there’s also a serious side to all this…

Genres: Contemporary

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2019

About the author

When Miriam Drori says she loves to perform, people don’t believe her. When she says she’s not shy, they think she’s delusional. The fact is, things ain’t what they seem. A witch called social anxiety took away her ability to be spontaneous, but it didn’t change her exhibitionist nature. You need to watch her dancing or speaking before an audience to understand that.

Fortunately, she has found an outlet for her thoughts in writing, a solitary activity with multiple recipients. She never doubted her ability to write, but only in recent years has she managed to gather her views and observations together into papier-mâché balls worth throwing far and wide.

If you ignore the witch, life has been good to Miriam, especially since she made the decision to move from the UK to Israel. She has a wonderful husband, three lovely children and a delightful house. She loves to read, travel, hike and dance. She has worked in computer programming and technical writing, and now enjoys the freedom and versatility of creative writing. And she believes passionately in raising awareness of social anxiety.

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

This is truly, however, a brilliantly crafted literary gem exploring a little-known disorder.

Read full review in the 2020 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moving back and forth in time (but always clearly signposted by the author) the reader gradually learns of Martin’s experiences growing up, at school and at work. Approaching the book from the perspective of hopefully more enlightened times, I found it uncomfortable to hear other characters referring to Martin as ‘weirdo’ or ‘creep’. Reading about his horrible experiences at school was particularly troubling.

The author uses Martin’s story as a vehicle to enlighten the reader about social anxiety, staying just the right side of feeling like it’s a psychology lecture. Part of this is down to the engaging character of Martin and there are plenty of humorous episodes to lighten the mood. Not everyone is without sympathy for Martin either but sometimes, as the book shows, people willing to help him (such as his boss, John) don’t know the best way to go about it or may inadvertently choose the wrong way.

I found myself a little impatient for Martin to embark on his trip to Japan but once he arrived there were some great scenes full of humour, such as Martin’s first encounter with karaoke. I actually would have welcomed reading more about his trip, some of which is only recounted third hand. (The reader will also have to exercise patience for the relevance of the book’s title to become clear.)  The author puts a lot of effort into creating back stories for minor characters, even those who make only a brief appearance (such as the lady in the Passport Office).

I really enjoyed the second part of the book in which we learn of Martin’s life following his return from Japan and I wanted to believe that Martin’s experiences could be replicated for others suffering from social anxiety. After such a hopeful and uplifting message, the last chapter of the book came as somewhat of a surprise and, I’ll confess, left me slightly confused.

Cultivating a Fuji does a great job of highlighting the experiences of those with social anxiety disorder and the challenges they face using the medium of fiction.

[Val Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect from this novel, but it was a delight to read and I thorughly enjoyed it. The characters wrapped me up in their story. I recommend this novel to everybody who enjoys an interesting read.

[Lizzie Chantree · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really thought provoking and beautifully written book.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably one of the hardest reviews I've had to write so far, not because I didn't enjoy the book but more because it is a thought provoking and somewhat unsettling book and it would be so easy to accidentally reveal spoilers and I really don't want to do that! It is a very different story, with most of it focussing on Martin who is very able but suffers from severe social anxiety. When a colleague has a badly broken leg, it is decided that Martin would be the best person to travel to Japan in his stead but none of his colleagues are convinced he is up to the task as he finds interpersonal relationships difficult, even talking on the phone is somethings stressful to him. As his history is revealed, the reader is shown events which triggered and exacerbated his desire to hide himself and his feelings, but the journey to Japan just might be the turning point he needs!

This is a very moving story, one which shares events from many different points of view but centres around Martin. Despite this, there are many other characters and the author does an amazing job of developing them all. It isn't a straightforward narration, there are flashbacks to different events and times sometimes from different people's points of view. Decidedly different, it definitely raises awareness of the problems faced by people with social anxiety and how such children and adults are treated by others. It is an intriguing and thought-provoking story, a very different read with a dramatic twist at the end that had me rethinking assumptions I'd made when reading the earlier part of the book.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! This is a novel I will reflect on time and time again.

Martin has a first-class mind, but his social skills have never really fully developed. When his colleague suffers a broken leg, it puts the company in a spin; who else can possibly travel to Japan to demonstrate their computer system and secure a much needed order to save the business? Martin is really the only choice - but how will he cope with the travel, the culture, the language and the people? With no alternative, Martin sets off with no-one having any confidence in his success . . .

I was very attracted to this one by the title and the blurb; my daughter spent some considerable time in Japan and my grandchildren are Scottish/Japanese, so I am aware of the gentleness of the people there. My son-in-law was astonished at how we in the UK treat people with so called 'issues' - autism, for instance. Sufferers are highly prized employees in Japan due to their intelligence, diligence and ability. So, although Martin isn't autistic, I wasn't surprised at how he coped in Japan with his social anxiety. This is such an eye-opening read and one which demonstrates, yet again, the cruelty of children and the importance of education including anti-bullying strategies. But this isn't a 'preachy' read; rather it is one of understanding and compassion, and it has brought another excellent author into my world. Extremely enjoyable, providing much food for thought and, in my humble opinion, no less than five stars will do it justice!

[Kerry https://likeherdingcatsblog.wordpress.com Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to begin by saying that this novel is not at all what I expected but it a very surprising and pleasant way. I don’t want to give away any spoilers in this review which then makes it difficult to speak about the events in the book in detail but it’s such a beautiful and thought provoking story.

You don’t have to read far into the book before you become firmly attached to it’s main protagonist Martin who is the narrator for the most part. He is such a gentle an intelligent man whose childhood and young adult experienced shape him in such a heartbreaking but poignant way. Other chapters are dedicated to the thoughts and experiences of people who have influenced Martin at various points of his journey and although there are many view points, it offers a very insightful perspective on how we all grow and change as adults. It made for some very reflective introspection.

The title itself to me personally translates as a metaphor for how the external and internal things that we encounter in life shape us. Martin is the Fuji- initially cultivated by childhood then again as an adult. I believe that as a younger person, Martin is ‘cultivated’ by these experiences and then again in later life by a set of different experiences which lead to an inner monologue and a second ‘cultivation’.

The first half of this book completely and utterly broke my heart then tenderly pieced it back together, filling it with so much joy. This is really an uplifting novel. The ending is very interesting as it’s open to interpretation and makes for a great discussion. If anyone reads the ending and wishes to have a chat please DM me on Twiter @cats_herding to have a chat.

Overall this is a beautifully written book with themes and events that will remain in my head and heart for a long time. Highly recommended.

[Deborah MB · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 'Cultivating a Fuji', we witness the life and work of Martin, an extremely awkward computer expert who is forced to visit Japan on a business trip. There, he finds his own courage to break through the walls he has erected from childhood. As we revisit his life, we also find out about a wide range of the people who meet him; we observe and judge them, as they try to navigate the interactions with someone they do not fully understand, someone who makes them uncomfortable.
This is a tale on the depths of the old adage, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, with an added twist: the village does not necessarily know how to raise children, who will in turn grow up and affect others in turn. By presenting this mirror of social behaviours, Miriam Drori invites the readers to reconsider their own behaviours as we encounter people whose circumstances we only glimpse.

Who would enjoy this
This is a volume for those looking for an optimistic happy end. It will definitely please those with social and behavioural interests, as it presents issues such as Social Anxiety, bullying, societal expectations, child abuse/neglect, etc. If you, as a reader, like being challenged and pushed to revise your own responsibilities towards others; like being encouraged to be more aware; like being reminded that everyone is capable of improving as a human being, then this is a story for you.

Who should give this a pass
Social issues are never an easy subject to address, and this book spares no one on their stark repercussions. If you are looking for an easy ride, where the good and bad characters are clear and simple, give this a pass. Also, I would recommend those with painful experiences on bullying, sexual molestation, and similar backgrounds, to pick up the tome with caution - it will bring up memories and emotions. If you have not resolved them before you are faced with the events in the book, you may find yourself too vulnerable.

Conclusions
Miriam Drori’s 'Cultivating a Fuji' is as carefully built as Martin’s computer programmes, from the parallel opening and closing chapters, to the descriptions of characters’ backgrounds, to the detailed spaces where the events take place (if you are British, you will feel right at home, and rightly so). The clear twofold aim, both to make the reader reconsider the impact of their behaviours toward others, and to remind them that change is as possible as desirable, is built throughout the work. Everyone has reasons for behaving the way they do, but how right are they to do so?
I must admit, it made me uncomfortable at times, which I assume was Ms Drori’s aim. It was very effective in making me self-judge, which is never a happy time albeit helpful. I applaud her ability to create that through indirect narrative. In fact, I believe it was much more effective than the chapters where Martin, successful in overcoming his Social Anxiety, pontificates by doing a whole presentation on his life to his former classmates/bullies. Those chapters strike of showing off despite the repeated assertion that he understands they were children and did not know any better.
Additionally, I found the information on random characters who interact with Martin to be interesting, but excessive at times. This is particularly true as there seems to be no good rationale behind who gets ‘screen time’ – why, for example, do we learn more about Adrienne Harris-Morley’s life, the lady at the passport office, than about Tetsuya Watanabe’s, who hosts and translates for Martin in Japan? This is also true of the range of issues the people introduce, all the way to orphaned refugees. At a certain point, the story gets a bit too populated, and we lose focus on the main subjects.

[Jena Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cultivating a Fuji is a special book. The author described it as “Up Lit “, so I searched to find what that meant. Up Lit is a genre for books with an emphasis on empathy, books that are uplifting and life-affirming, and which explore themes of family bonds and the human spirit. These types of novels focus on kinder, gentler human connections, but have an element that preserves realism. They do not shy away from dark themes or real-life issues, they just preserve an element of hope.

Martin is the main character of the story. Martin grew up in England. He is an only child. He majored in computer sciences and he works at a small software company and is their smartest employee. But my brief description doesn’t tell us about the real Martin at all.

I’m sure that “main character” is a description that would terrify Martin. When he was a child, his classmates bullied him because he was quiet and sensitive, and they pecked at him like chickens do. Now that he is an adult, other adults think he is weird and strange. And he is, because although he doesn’t know the term, he suffers from Social Anxiety Disorder, a fear of other people. It seems like a terrible cycle, the more afraid a person is, the quieter and more awkward they act, which makes others like the person even less, and so the person becomes even more withdrawn and out of touch.

And that’s Martin’s situation when we meet him at the beginning of the book. He is unable to answer the phone at work, even the inter-office phone, because he is too terrified. He panics when co-workers talk to him. And then, because of an unexpected problem, Martin is the employee who must go on a crucial business trip. Martin, who doesn’t know how to get a passport, how to handle an airport or flight, must travel solo to Japan. It turns out that his real journey in life begins with this fateful trip to Japan.

Miriam Drori, the author, is a marvelous storyteller, especially in her ability to create real and relatable characters. You will be charmed by the story of Martin and all the people he meets. In this book, even the minor walk-on characters are fully developed with fascinating back stories.

For me, this was an unsettling book. First, there are many descriptions of people with social anxiety and what they experience, and this may be a trigger for some. Also, the way the book is presented changes- sometimes it’s a lecture, or a flashback, or perhaps even a dream, so that is a challenge, too. I will leave it to readers to decide if this is something they can handle. I do believe it was important for me to learn more about Social Anxiety.

Thanks to Crooked Cat Books and Rachel’s Random Reviews for a review copy. This is my honest opinion.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin suffers from extreme social anxiety, caused mainly by being relentlessly bullied as a child. And yet he is a brilliant software engineer. It is in this capacity that he is sent to Japan to install a computer system, and in this strange country all his social awkwardness falls away. He even manages to secure a contract for his firm which would otherwise have gone under. But then he has to return home, and all his problems are back.

This novel is much more than an extended case history or two (the author is an authority on social anxiety). The rather non-linear narrative takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster, evoking great empathy for the sufferers. You want to hug Martin, whispering words of encouragement, and punch his tormentors. But there is also humour, and above all, hope.

The Fuji of the title, a delicious apple from Japan, represents the sweetness in life that we all aspire to. For Martin, this seems completely out of reach until he decides to reprogram his own life. Is there a happy ending? You'll just have to read and see.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s launch day for Cultivating a Fuji, and Day One of the blog tour! So it’s very exciting to be one of the first people to be able to introduce this very different, but rather beautiful book to the world!

So often, it’s easy to treat people who are different as just that: different, other, unusual, strange, odd, peculiar, bizarre or even laughable. We point them out, poke fun at them, even mock them, when actually all they want is to be left alone to continue with their peaceful existence, not doing anyone else any harm.

This describes Martin, Drori’s protagonist. He’s the brightest individual at his company, which they reluctantly admit to, although nobody actually wants anything to do with him. And he’s ok with that, because he doesn’t really want anything to do with them either! He won’t even talk to them on the phone. Because Martin suffers from something that none of them understand: Social Anxiety Disorder. Actually, even Martin himself doesn’t really admit to having a particular condition. He just is that way. I wondered if he wasn’t somewhere on the Autism spectrum – but I think that’s an entirely different discussion!

So it’s easier for his colleagues to talk about Martin behind his back, and have a bit of a laugh at his expense. Don’t look shocked and horrified! It’s what most people tend to do in similar situations.

When it falls on Martin’s shoulders to go to Japan and save the company from impending doom, it goes without saying that everyone automatically expects complete and utter failure – Japan is a land of strict rules and protocols which they’re positive Martin will never be able to understand or follow. They’re sure he’ll offend everyone the minute he steps off the plane! But what unfolds is something entirely unexpected, both to Martin and everyone else.

Drori tells a story that can only come from a place of empathy and recognition. It says: “I know you. I see you. I hear you. I understand you.” Readers cannot help smiling as they acknowledge Martin’s triumphs, whether small or large. This is a book that’s refreshing and also a reminder to us to show more sensitivity to those who interact differently with the world around them. We are not all the same, but we share the same spaces and we need to find ways to make them comfortable for everyone to move in. Drori reminds us of this.

I give this 4 shiny stars, that I will wrap in cotton wool so that nobody needs to be pierced by their sharp edges!

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cultivating a Fuji is a moving and sometimes heartbreaking tale of one man’s lifelong struggle with social anxiety.

Martin Carter is that kid in school who’s just a bit smaller, not quite in sync and an easy target for bullying and harassment. And, there is no shortage of fake friends, classmates, and even adults who have no problem tormenting Martin because he’s weird, strange, silent… different.

When it’s revealed a family tragedy was the catalyst for Martin’s social anxiety, I felt the behavior of everyone around him was even more reprehensible. Including his parents.

Despite his issues, Martin makes it through college and gets a job at a small computer software company.

His analytical mind makes him a star employee but social anxiety relegates him to the odd sort. However, when a coworker is sidelined by an accident, Martin is the only one who can take his place and pitch a campaign to a company… in Japan.

Japan will be a turning point for Martin. It’s not immediate or all-encompassing, but there will be change.

This is Martin’s story but there are multiple POVs to show not everyone thinks badly or only want to ridicule him. People want to help… they just don’t know how.

Cultivating a Fuji is a good read lovers of contemporary and literary fiction will enjoy, and the twisty conclusion will linger long after the story’s end.

Enjoy!

[Penny Hampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cultivating a Fuji is very much a ‘different’ sort of book; unsurprising really because it tells the story of someone who is different. Through his own words and the narratives of others, we gradually learn what is different about Martin.

The author cleverly takes us into the head of someone suffering with crippling social anxiety, showing his thoughts and feelings, and revealing to the reader that what most people regard as strange behaviour, is a coping strategy for sufferers of this affliction. This absorbing tale certainly opened my eyes to the problems that people with this disorder face everyday.

This is the story of Martin’s transformation from derided work colleague to successful businessman - a transformation triggered by an unexpected business trip to Japan. It demonstrates how much other people’s negative perceptions can influence an individual’s mental health.

The author weaves in episodes of Martin’s early life to explain how his condition started and there are poignant descriptions of the struggles he faced to overcome his issues. For anyone trying to understand this condition, I would recommend this book. If nothing else, it will make you question your own behaviour towards others. All in all, an uplifting and thought-provoking read.

[Lel Budge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cultivating a Fuji is a unique ‘Up Lit’ book.

Martin is the main character, an only child who grew up in England.

He’s very clever and works for a software company……but people think him strange and the bullying he experienced as a child continues albeit in a slightly different form.

What people don’t understand is that Martin suffers from social anxiety, which makes him quiet and withdrawn….what people think is weird !

Because of his expertise with computers, he is sent to Japan…where the story really begins.

It took me a little while to get into the rhythm of this story, but found it to be a moving description of social anxiety and just how traumatic a simple meeting can be for sufferers….yes there’s humour, but I found this to be a sad, poignant and thought provoking tale.

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.

[FNM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Well I can safely say this book was nothing like I was expecting when I initially went into it! Having been on an exchange to Japan myself I was really looking forward to seeing how the author portrayed this and of course getting to read about Japan. The story itself is incredibly thought provoking it gets you to really see what it is like for people who suffer with social anxiety, Martin is an incredibly interesting character to get to know and we get to see all different aspect of his life with flashbacks as well as different peoples point of views.

This is a book that is guaranteed to stay with you long after you read it, it is a book that really makes you think with a few surprises along the way.

Rating: 4/5

Would I read again: Yes

Would I Recommend: Yes

Would I read another book from this author: Yes

[Richard E. Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing novel, published by Crooked Cat Books, is an exploration of the potentially crippling effects of social anxiety disorder via an unlikely hero called Martin Carter. In it, the author delves deep into the psyche of the main character, laying him bare as we follow him through his difficult life.

Martin is a genius computer programmer destined to lead a lonely and frustrating life due to his disorder. Until, that is, he is sent to Japan by his employer, where he experiences an awakening.

Drori leads us back and fore through the years as we visit different episodes in his life, without ever losing us along the way. It is at times heartbreaking, painful and joyous, but never less than fascinating. In fact, it will make you question the way you may have treated people in the past.

From a difficult and challenging subject matter, Drori has crafted an intelligent, compelling and thoroughly enjoyable book, one that everyone would benefit from reading.

[Jean Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absorbing and powerful novel, beautifully written. The protagonist, Martin, is a socially awkward man who is disrespected by others who can't see past his 'odd' behaviour and understand the reasons for it. As we get to know him more, a kind and engaging character emerges, but others are unable to see this side of him which he feels unable to show. A work trip to Japan changes his life, but back home he continues to struggle with severe shyness and the social anxiety that imprisons him. I was rooting for him all the way as he struggled to overcome his difficulties and turn his life around. The story is, by twists and turns, painfully sad and then wonderfully uplifting. This novel is both educational and entertaining, leaving the reader with much to think about.

[Jo Fenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got completely drawn in by the characters. The main character, Martin is at the far edge of the social anxiety scale. This book has to be read to see if a chance event can turn someone's life around. Absolutely loved it.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story about the struggles of social anxiety. Martin is an interesting character and his adventure in Japan was fun and full of humour. His treatment by others was however not so easy to take and at times difficult to read about.

[Andee Roback · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Very easy to read.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a thought provoking read! From the perspective of someone who had been bullied his whole life. Wonderful read--except for last 5 pages! What in the world was that twist in the plot?!!