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Shadow Life Hardcover – March 30, 2021

by Hiromi Goto (Author), Ann Xu (Illustrator)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 66 ratings
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2022 Asian/Pacific American Literature Award Winner for Adult Fiction
2022 L.A Times Book Prize Finalist

Poet and novelist Hiromi Goto effortlessly blends wry, observational slice-of-life literary fiction with poetic magical realism in the tender and surprising graphic novel Shadow Life, with haunting art from debut artist Ann Xu.

When Kumiko’s well-meaning adult daughters place her in an assisted living home, the seventy-six-year-old widow gives it a try, but it’s not where she wants to be. She goes on the lam and finds a cozy bachelor apartment, keeping the location secret even while communicating online with her eldest daughter. Kumiko revels in the small, daily pleasures: decorating as she pleases, eating what she wants, and swimming in the community pool. But something has followed her from her former residence―Death’s shadow.

Kumiko’s sweet life is shattered when Death’s shadow swoops in to collect her. With her quick mind and sense of humor, Kumiko, with the help of friends new and old, is prepared for the fight of her life. But how long can an old woman thwart fate?

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    368 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    First Second
  4. Publication date
    March 30, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    6.34 x 1.32 x 8.82 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1626723567
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1626723566
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Sprinkled with fabulism (a vacuum and salt can stop death), confronting racist history (Canada’s WWII prison camps for Japanese Canadians), and questioning institutionalized eldercare, Goto’s latest is an empowering, emotional tribute to defiant, independent, kick-ass old women living their best lives."―Booklist, starred review

"The loose black-and-white line art by Xu, including interspersed wordless panels, perfectly captures the progression of Kumiko’s emotions from serenity to revelation to distress to determined defiance, as well as the narrative’s fantastical and surreal turns. Quiet sensitivity and humor shine throughout, lighting the bright triumph in one woman’s twilight."―Publishers Weekly, starred review

About the Author

Hiromi Goto is an emigrant from Japan who gratefully lives on the Unceded Musqueam, Skwxwú7mesh, and Tsleil Waututh Territories. She's written Chorus of Mushrooms, The Kappa Child, along with three novels for children and youth, a book of poetry, and a collection of short stories. Shadow Life is her first graphic novel.

Ann Xu is an Ignatz-nominated cartoonist and illustrator working in Baltimore. She graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2017. Her graphic novel work includes Shadow Life and Measuring Up.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ First Second (March 30, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1626723567
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1626723566
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.45 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.34 x 1.32 x 8.82 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 66 ratings

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  1. Ann Xu

    Ann Xu

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    Hiromi Goto

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
66 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

rose foxworth
5.0 out of 5 stars Mature graphic novel
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2023
Verified Purchase
I loved this book about an elderly woman who goes against her daughters’ wishes and finds a place of her own to live independently, all the while fearful that death is pursuing her.
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Barb
4.0 out of 5 stars Funny and heartwarming
Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2021
Verified Purchase
When I first rec'd the Shadow Life book I opened it & noticed it was like a picture book, every page just a drawing with a few words on it..I wasn't happy..(perhaps this was made apparent when I ordered but if so, I missed it). Anyway, turns out that not only was it entertaining to me, but, unfortunately, I related to some of the things this woman was going through, being 70 yrs old. Also, since I'm totally blind in one eye & have a cataract in other, turns out the 'picture book' didn't give me eye strain headaches like regular books so I breezed right thru it. It was funny & heartwarming.
2 people found this helpful
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Sarah
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2022
Verified Purchase
It was a great graphic novel. Very good story about the end of life and living despite getting old.
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Paige B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is the best graphic novel I’ve read this year so far. It’s a brilliant, very original story about an elderly woman who is trying to outsmart and avoid Death. She is such a wonderful character, all the characters are, and the artwork is just beautiful and perfect.

This is a story that will stay with you. It’s touching, funny, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. Really really great. A masterpiece.
2 people found this helpful
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Felicia
4.0 out of 5 stars A great graphic novel
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2021
This was a really interesting and touching story. The story was a bit slow to get started but once it did I couldn't put it down. I was so drawn in not only by the story but by the art style. The art was beautiful and dynamic especially for being only in black and white and being so clean. The art is what made this story for me.
I loved the metaphor woven throughout the whole story as well. It was brilliant and pointed. I also enjoyed how the main character was relieved to be bisexual without it turning into some big ordeal or a defining character trait it was just part of her.
Overall this graphic novel was stunning. I can not wait to share it and recommend it. I am already thinking of people I know who will love it as much as I do.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Elderly Badass Woman Hero
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2021
Verified Purchase
Lovely story beautifully illustrated. Not your typical graphic novel in the best possible way.
2 people found this helpful
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Skye Kilaen
5.0 out of 5 stars One of my fave graphic novels of 2021
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2023
Fantastic graphic novel about an elderly woman who's decided to fight off Death, after sneaking out of an independent living facility and renting herself an apartment. I didn't realize when I ordered this that she's bi (and it both matters to the plot yet isn't A Big Deal) so that was a lovely surprise. I also enjoyed how funny this book often was even once Kumiko is quite literally fighting for her life. Top notch character development, great pacing, and I loved the art.
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Ash
5.0 out of 5 stars Old doesn't mean helpless
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2023
Charming story. I hope I'm as cool as Kumiko when I'm older.
One person found this helpful
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