What do you think?
Rate this book
Itsuki
When a life means the world, there is no letting go.Brook travels on foot down a highway cut through the British Columbian wilderness, carrying with great care a paper doll he calls Itsuki. A disaster has largely emptied the land of human presence, yet he fears he is being followed, and by night a strange aurora burns in the sky, illuminating an eerily silent world. His uneasy solitude is broken when he encounters a frightened and unstable teen, Geoff, who bears the psychological scars of a warped upbringing and horrific recent history.Struggling for survival, Brook recalls the events and decisions that have led him to this point, beginning years before, when he was known as Michael. Bitter and alone, he’d moved to Japan, seeking revenge on the man he held accountable for destroying his brother’s life. Unexpectedly, it was there he found friendship, love, and a sense of belonging that his life had long lacked—until the target of his vendetta sought retribution, with profound consequences not only for Michael, but humanity itself.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2020
11 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 13, 2020
Strangely à propos to the current global situation, this is so much more than a brief jaunt through a post-apocalyptic British-Columbian wilderness. It is as much a journey of self-discovery as it is a tale of survival against all odds, for better or for worse. Occasional brutal intensity somehow finding a balance against lovingly tender moments, much like the shifting time between a life once lived and a new path laid forth. Layered with rich, complex characters that I expect will linger in the annals of the mind long after the final pages have been turned, this is one novel that should not be missed.
November 13, 2020
I'll start by saying that I read a lot of literary post-apocalyptic novels. Riddley Walker, Oryx and Crake, The Book of Dave, and A Canticle for Leibowitz are some of my favorites. Not only does Itsuki take the torch from these classics, I'd honestly rank it up there with all of them as well. This is now one of my favorite novels in the genre. The fact that this is a debut is absolutely astounding to me, and you get the feeling that MacDonald is only getting started.
The novel is told in alternating storylines, switching between a past-tense Japan-set countdown to Zero, an apocalyptic event that decimates most human life on the planet, and a present-tense trek through post-human British Columbia. These storylines differ enough early on to keep you constantly intrigued and invested, and as they converged and eventually collided, I found myself in awe of the storytelling. This alternation brought to mind Murakami’s Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, but make no mistake: Itsuki is very thoroughly its own story. I’ve never read another book like it, and I doubt I will again. I make these comparisons only to give an idea of the mastery of form at work here.
There’s a staggering, prophetic element to Itsuki that’s very much the elephant in the room for anyone reading this in 2020. Without giving away too much, I often found myself in shock to see just how closely events of the novel were lining up with reality--not just in the world at large, but in my own life. I identified so much with Michael (and Brook), that every small and large victory was hard-fought and celebrated, every defeat utterly heart-wrenching. MacDonald doesn’t shy away from dark subject matter, either. True to the genre, the darkness and brutality of human existence is on full display here, but the book is ultimately life-affirming, sweet, tender, and utterly moving in a way that otherwise great post-apocalyptic fiction is rarely able to achieve. This is a book about ideas and feelings, and neither is sacrificed for the other, which is difficult for even seasoned veterans to achieve, let alone debut authors. It can’t be overstated just how massive of an achievement this novel is, in nearly every aspect of form and structure.
One of the ways MacDonald guides his readers through difficult content is through unceasingly gorgeous prose. I found myself marveling at clever turns of phrase and arresting visual description, and I felt I was there in Kamikigawa with its leaf-shedding zelkovas, or gutted British Columbia with its unending hills and nighttime aurorae that hypnotize beyond simple natural beauty. And then, as the story goes on and the connections between the two storylines emerge, as Michael wrestles with revenge and redemption, and Brook tries to remember his humanity, what he was like before Zero, I found myself in tears. This prose is not a simple flourish, either. Every single moment builds on what came before, a perfect chain of causality where everything is paid off by the end and not a single sentence is wasted.
I couldn’t stop thinking about Itsuki when I finished it. Like all great novels, it keeps you turning over the events, the themes, the connections to your own life. It had me examining myself all along the way, what I would do, how I'd react to all of this, how I'd try to survive. In my opinion, that's one of the best things about this genre, and MacDonald nailed it here. I can’t recommend this book enough, and I can’t wait to see what he does next. I’m an instant fan.
The novel is told in alternating storylines, switching between a past-tense Japan-set countdown to Zero, an apocalyptic event that decimates most human life on the planet, and a present-tense trek through post-human British Columbia. These storylines differ enough early on to keep you constantly intrigued and invested, and as they converged and eventually collided, I found myself in awe of the storytelling. This alternation brought to mind Murakami’s Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, but make no mistake: Itsuki is very thoroughly its own story. I’ve never read another book like it, and I doubt I will again. I make these comparisons only to give an idea of the mastery of form at work here.
There’s a staggering, prophetic element to Itsuki that’s very much the elephant in the room for anyone reading this in 2020. Without giving away too much, I often found myself in shock to see just how closely events of the novel were lining up with reality--not just in the world at large, but in my own life. I identified so much with Michael (and Brook), that every small and large victory was hard-fought and celebrated, every defeat utterly heart-wrenching. MacDonald doesn’t shy away from dark subject matter, either. True to the genre, the darkness and brutality of human existence is on full display here, but the book is ultimately life-affirming, sweet, tender, and utterly moving in a way that otherwise great post-apocalyptic fiction is rarely able to achieve. This is a book about ideas and feelings, and neither is sacrificed for the other, which is difficult for even seasoned veterans to achieve, let alone debut authors. It can’t be overstated just how massive of an achievement this novel is, in nearly every aspect of form and structure.
One of the ways MacDonald guides his readers through difficult content is through unceasingly gorgeous prose. I found myself marveling at clever turns of phrase and arresting visual description, and I felt I was there in Kamikigawa with its leaf-shedding zelkovas, or gutted British Columbia with its unending hills and nighttime aurorae that hypnotize beyond simple natural beauty. And then, as the story goes on and the connections between the two storylines emerge, as Michael wrestles with revenge and redemption, and Brook tries to remember his humanity, what he was like before Zero, I found myself in tears. This prose is not a simple flourish, either. Every single moment builds on what came before, a perfect chain of causality where everything is paid off by the end and not a single sentence is wasted.
I couldn’t stop thinking about Itsuki when I finished it. Like all great novels, it keeps you turning over the events, the themes, the connections to your own life. It had me examining myself all along the way, what I would do, how I'd react to all of this, how I'd try to survive. In my opinion, that's one of the best things about this genre, and MacDonald nailed it here. I can’t recommend this book enough, and I can’t wait to see what he does next. I’m an instant fan.
November 10, 2020
A page-turning delight. McDonald’s debut novel expertly interweaves themes of mystery, tragedy, love, regret, and survival. The narrative alternates between a well-crafted backstory populated by engaging, original characters and the protagonist’s (Brooks’s) apocalyptic walk through the woods of British Colombia. The quick movement between the two worlds gives Itsuki a spirited depth and rich balance that draws the reader in from the start and keeps them engaged throughout.
At times, I found myself recalling Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, yet Itsuki resists the temptation to go for complete darkness. There's much life in the telling of Brooks’s story. The reader witnesses this light in the depth of the characters’ friendships, the development of Brooks's character, and the poignant veneration of Brooks’s prize possession—a simple, yet extremely meaningful paper doll and a symbol of hope and love that reaches beyond impending doom.
As other reviewers have noted, McDonald’s storyline contains an uncanny parallel to the pandemic-related events of 2020, which makes Itsuki very relevant and hard to put down. As a night-reader, I found myself thinking about Brooks throughout the days I was reading Itsuki—the characters, the setting, the thematic threads all resonating powerfully with my own lived life. That, for this reviewer, is the hallmark of a powerful novel, and a sign of many more great stories to come from this author. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. You won’t regret it.
At times, I found myself recalling Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, yet Itsuki resists the temptation to go for complete darkness. There's much life in the telling of Brooks’s story. The reader witnesses this light in the depth of the characters’ friendships, the development of Brooks's character, and the poignant veneration of Brooks’s prize possession—a simple, yet extremely meaningful paper doll and a symbol of hope and love that reaches beyond impending doom.
As other reviewers have noted, McDonald’s storyline contains an uncanny parallel to the pandemic-related events of 2020, which makes Itsuki very relevant and hard to put down. As a night-reader, I found myself thinking about Brooks throughout the days I was reading Itsuki—the characters, the setting, the thematic threads all resonating powerfully with my own lived life. That, for this reviewer, is the hallmark of a powerful novel, and a sign of many more great stories to come from this author. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. You won’t regret it.
December 16, 2020
Itsuki is an absolute page-turner. Macdonald hooks his readers from the start as the protagonist, Brook, experiences a devastating loss and shocking discovery of injustice. Through his grief, an adventure of revenge emerges, which begins to blur the lines of his humanity. Brook's character begins an honorable transformation when he acquires relationships that help him neutralize his revengeful desires. Before he can let go of his vendetta, his enemy attacks and forces him to fight for his life.
The chapters alternate between a haunting present, where Brook travels a barren post-apocalyptic British Colombian highway, and his past, which is packed with emotionally revealing backstory. These storylines brilliantly piece together Brooks' morals and motives. The final chapters are so cleverly mind-bending that the reader can expect to post-analyze the ending. I simply can’t believe this is a debut book. I recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of fictional psychological thrillers. 5 out of 5!
The chapters alternate between a haunting present, where Brook travels a barren post-apocalyptic British Colombian highway, and his past, which is packed with emotionally revealing backstory. These storylines brilliantly piece together Brooks' morals and motives. The final chapters are so cleverly mind-bending that the reader can expect to post-analyze the ending. I simply can’t believe this is a debut book. I recommend this novel to anyone who is a fan of fictional psychological thrillers. 5 out of 5!
January 3, 2021
Itsuki is a beautifully written and ultimately epic tale that took me by surprise with its originality, depth, and the clever way in which the plot is woven from the different perspectives of the protagonist, Michael. It is set in a frightening post-apocalyptic world, but also in what seems like a very normal existence before disaster struck. The contrast between the two is striking, as is the storyline that brings Michael to Japan and leads to his life, and that of many others, being changed for ever.
The author writes so well, and some of the sentences and the way the words are used made me stop and re-read them, just to enjoy them again. The description of a natural disaster is brilliantly done and really made you feel as though you were there, running for your life along with the characters. The threads of plot were cleverly constructed and had you thinking all the way through.
This book definitely deserves a wider audience.
The author writes so well, and some of the sentences and the way the words are used made me stop and re-read them, just to enjoy them again. The description of a natural disaster is brilliantly done and really made you feel as though you were there, running for your life along with the characters. The threads of plot were cleverly constructed and had you thinking all the way through.
This book definitely deserves a wider audience.
November 11, 2020
I enjoyed the story so much I would actually love to see it adapted to the big screen. It's very emotional and terrifying at times, which is amplified by the author's approach and writing style. The story has a fantastic buildup and is very descriptively written, which gives the reader a very vivid picture of what is happening in the story. I especially loved how the timeline of the story played out, which helped eventually bring a better understanding of each of the characters. The character development is fantastic and it gives the reader a feeling of being in the story with them. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone, particularly those who enjoy dystopian fiction.
December 30, 2020
Zach MacDonald achieves what all writers dream of achieving -- making his readers feel a sense of loss without having any memory of this loss. A book steeped in prophecy as well as numerous human quests (love and vengeance to name two), Itsuki is a must-read for those who would enjoy a two-continent post-apocalyptic novel split between Japan and the deep woods of British Columbia. Thornton Wilder described love as being "the only survival, the only meaning," but survival itself can be the only survival, the only meaning. A stunning debut. Pick up your copy now!
October 23, 2020
Awesome debut novel. McDonald isn't scared to tackle the ambitious challenges of including death cults and Tsunamis in his fascinating first story. He is successful in portraying these events in an original and credible style that keeps the pages turning. I look forward to his next release if Itsuki is the standard he has set. Great read!
April 22, 2025
loved it. took me a couple chapters to really get hooked but then I was SO into the story
if you're looking for a read that will keep you guessing and curious, and isn't too much.to digest.
this is it!
if you're looking for a read that will keep you guessing and curious, and isn't too much.to digest.
this is it!
May 21, 2020
Currently still reading this book as I write this review but I can not recommend this book enough! Could not put it down after the first chapter such a great read.
May 8, 2023
The author of Itsuki takes the reader on a journey through a post-apocalyptic world, with the plot woven skillfully through the eyes of protagonist Michael both before and after Day Zero. The contrast between Michael's life pre- and post-disaster is skillfully done as he weaves tales of other characters in as he goes, immersing the reader into his world. The author's writing style is original, and his descriptions transport you into the story. Itsuki is a beautifully written novel that will stay with the reader long after they finish. Highly Recommend!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews