Yen Press Launches Avocado House Imprint for Global Authors
Yen Press has made an exciting announcement, unveiling a brand new imprint dedicated to bringing international authors to English-speaking readers: Avocado House. This innovative venture, created and curated by publisher and editor-in-chief JuYoun Lee, aims to diversify the literary landscape by initially releasing a dozen captivating titles each year. The launch of Avocado House signals a significant expansion in Yen Press's commitment to translated works, complementing its established Yen On imprint for light novels and other prose fiction.
First Wave of Releases: October, November, and December
The initial lineup for Avocado House promises a thrilling start, spanning multiple genres and captivating narratives. Readers can anticipate three compelling releases before the end of the year, each offering a unique literary experience.
Laplace's Witch by acclaimed author Keigo Higashino kicks off the imprint in October, available in print, digital, and audio formats. Translated by Stephen Paul, this science fiction mystery plunges into a perplexing case where two individuals die from hydrogen sulfide poisoning in separate hot-spring towns. Geochemist Shusuke Aoe finds himself embroiled in the investigation after witnessing a mysterious girl, Madoka, at both crime scenes. Higashino is known for challenging genre norms, and this title is set to deliver a complex and engaging puzzle.
November brings Sickness unto Love by Yūki Shasendō, with translation by Michael Blaskowsky, available in print and digital. This chilling story delves into the dark world of Blue Morpho, a game linked to over 150 deaths across Japan. The organizer, Kei Yorikawa, a seemingly ordinary high school student, is at the heart of this terror. The narrative promises a psychological exploration of how she transformed into such a monster, looking back at the childhood friend who became her first victim.
Concluding the year in December is 1,000 Words Left to Live by Gyatei Murasaki, translated by Matt Treyvaud, offered in print, digital, and audio. This collection features twenty-six shocking and awe-inducing short stories. Prepare for bizarre scenarios, from a patient learning they have only a thousand words left to speak before their life ends, to a boyfriend turning into a can of mackerel, and a woman in her sixth year of pregnancy. This mysterious world blends laughter, tears, and unexpected twists that will leave readers reeling.
Anticipating 2027: Deep Mysteries and Thrillers
Looking further ahead, Avocado House has also announced two intriguing titles slated for release in 2027, both available in print, digital, and audio formats. These upcoming books delve into dark human psychology and gripping criminal narratives.
The Curse Called Mother, the Prison Called Daughter by Ayasa Itō presents a harrowing true story. It chronicles the investigation into the brutal murder of 58-year-old Taeko Takasaki and the subsequent focus on her 31-year-old daughter, Akari. Through a court reporter's correspondence with Akari, the story uncovers the tragic details of a daughter pushed to the brink by an abusive mother, culminating in a horrific crime described simply by Akari: “The monster is dead. Now I am free.” This promises to be a deeply psychological and emotional read, exploring the complexities of a toxic relationship.
The Place of the Flamingo by Haeyeon Jeong offers a pulse-pounding thriller. Junhoo, an overworked teacher, finds himself covering up a murder after witnessing his lover's body disappear into a lake. While he didn't commit the murder, his desperate attempt to conceal his own career-ending secret—an affair with a student—makes him the prime suspect. This novel is packed with shocking twists, promising to keep readers on their toes and questioning everything until the very end.
A New Chapter for International Literature
Avocado House represents an exciting new chapter for Yen Press and for readers eager to explore diverse voices from around the world. With a strong initial lineup and promising future releases, the imprint is poised to become a significant destination for high-quality translated fiction. Fans of mystery, thrillers, unique short stories, and deeply psychological narratives will find much to anticipate from this new venture.
