This week on Bookies’ Favourite, we’re diving into the second book on the 2025 International Booker Prize shortlist: Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami, translated from Japanese by Asa Yoneda and published by Granta Books.

In this episode, we share our thoughts on Kawakami’s surreal, poetic, and quietly haunting novel. From its strange dream logic to its tender moments of grief and connection, we unpack what worked for us—and what left us scratching our heads. As always, we pitch alternative titles and imagine how this unique story could be adapted into other media (animated series?).

📖 Aaron only made it halfway through, so while he’s got some thoughts, the others carry most of the conversation this time around.

Next week, we’ll be reading A Leopard-Skin Hat by Anne Serre, translated from French by Mark Hutchinson and published by Lolli Editions. That episode lands Monday, April 28—grab a copy and read along!

✨ We want your opinions!
If you’ve read this book—or any of the shortlist—send us your reactions, reviews, or rants! We’d love to include listener thoughts in future episodes.

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From unfinished reads to full-on literary obsessions, we’re all about honest book chat.