Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

(Bantam, 2025)

Reviewed by Phoebe Haywood

The title of Water Moon comes from the Japanese saying ‘Kyoka Suigetsu’ (‘Mirror Flower, Water Moon’), referring to something both beautiful and unattainable; much like how the moon’s reflection in water will dissolve into ripples if touched. Samantha Sotto Yambao says that to read her latest book—and UK debut—is “to dive into the water and touch the moon”. I have to agree; this ethereal novel is mesmerising.

It opens in a pawnshop in the backstreets of Tokyo that is discoverable only to those who have made choices they deeply regret. Here, such customers can pawn those choices and receive a new peace of mind in letting them go. But on Hana’s first day as the pawnshop’s new owner, she finds the shop ransacked, a precious choice stolen and her father missing. Then the mysterious Kei walks in and offers to help.

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Review from BSFA Review 25 - Download your copy here.