He, Joan - Descendant of the Crane

In the bustling heart of 18th-century China, a young woman named Akiko is forced to make a Faustian bargain with a mysterious entity known as the Tengu. In exchange for eternal life, Akiko is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets, her name instantly vanishing from their minds the moment she turns away. For centuries, Akiko wanders the world, a silent observer of history's grandest moments. She witnesses the rise and fall of empires, the birth of groundbreaking inventions, and the triumphs of art and literature. But despite the wonders she experiences, Akiko's immortality comes at a heavy price. She is forever alone, a ghost in her own life, unable to form lasting connections with the people around her.

In 1931 Shanghai, Akiko's solitary existence is disrupted when she encounters a young man named Keigo. To her astonishment, Keigo remembers her name, breaking the curse that has bound her for centuries. Intrigued and hopeful, Akiko forms an unlikely bond with Keigo, and for the first time in her long life, she experiences the joy of companionship and love. But their connection comes at a dangerous cost. The Tengu, enraged by Akiko's newfound happiness, threatens to destroy everything she holds dear. Akiko must confront her past and make a difficult choice: to remain trapped in her lonely immortality or risk everything for the chance at true love and freedom.

Blurb:

Descendant of the Crane is a mesmerizing tale of forbidden love, resilience, and the power of self-discovery, infused with elements of magical realism and subtle LGBT+ themes. Through the eyes of Akiko, an immortal woman cursed to be forgotten, Joan He explores themes of identity, belonging, and the transformative power of love.

LGBT Themes:

Woven into the tapestry of Akiko's extraordinary journey are subtle yet poignant themes of LGBT+ identity and the challenges faced by those who defy societal norms of love and relationships. Akiko's experiences of isolation and loneliness resonate with those who have felt marginalized or excluded based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The story delicately explores the complexities of love and connection in a world that often seeks to suppress and silence the voices of those who are different.

Relevant Tags:

Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Magical Realism, Witches, Found Family, Self-Love, Acceptance, Redemption, LGBT+, Queer Identity, Forbidden Love, Self-Discovery, Social Outcast, Identity, Belonging, Love Conquers All

Awards & Recognition:

• Several Goodreads Choice Award nominations

Embark on an enchanting journey into a world where love defies expectations and rebellion ignites. Descendant of the Crane is a mesmerizing tale of forbidden love, resilience, and the power of self-discovery, infused with elements of magical realism and subtle LGBT+ themes.

Delve into the enchanting world of Akiko, an immortal woman cursed to be invisible, as she embarks on a journey of love, loss, and self-discovery, spanning centuries of human history. Prepare to be captivated by a story that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the transformative power of love, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, hope can shine through.

Title: Descendant of the Crane

Author: Joan He

Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Magical Realism

Pages: 400

Publisher: Titan Books

Release Date: June 2, 2020

Dimensions:

• Weight: 292 grams
  
  
• Size: 19.8 x 13 x 2.9 cm