''Autofiction'' is a 2006 novel by Japanese author . It is a work of " autobiographical fiction", following the character Rin in reverse chronological order, from age 22 back to age 15. Kanehara recalls some of her previous experiences of living without a home, and various incidents of drug addictions to narrate the plot. The novel was translated into English by David James Karashima. Through her past sexual experiences, Rin's mind has begun to fracture, causing her profound insecurity regarding the relationships around her. At age 22, she is returning from her honeymoon only to become jealous of the flight attendant serving her husband. When he excuses himself to go to the bathroom, Rin's uncontrollable conscience begins to stir, believing he's gone to have sex with the woman. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Rin's past is a complicated one; filled with grand moments of distrust, abuse relationships and substance abuse. Kanehara adds a gritty tone to her writing. much like a pin that’s constantly prickling your hand. It’s uncomfortable yet manageable; but by the end, you recognise it’s had more of an impact than you first realised. As a nihilist, Rin also suffers from severe anxiety, most noticeably concerning sex – which given the circumstances, is understandable. A woman who becomes jealous on her honeymoon because an air stewardess was polite to her husband is a woman with a traumatic past. In 2007, ''Autofiction'' was a nomination in the

Man Asian Literary Prize The Man Asian Literary Prize was an annual literary award between 2007 and 2012, given to the best novel by an Asian writer, either written in English or translated into English, and published in the previous calendar year. It is awarded to write ...

References

2006 Japanese novels Novels by Hitomi Kanehara Japanese romance novels {{2000s-romance-novel-stub