Crisp, Quentin S. - Out There

Jake arrives in Japan to visit with Sean.
And to hike into the mountains. Get away, recharge, maybe.
For all the peace and quiet he wants, Jake cannot break free from modern noise.
The intrusive upsetter, his phone. Where in the mountains, there is no signal.
Story is a clash of expectations and values, and one wonders about their friendship.
In time, the story walks into the rain swept fantastic. Quite literally.
Jake wanders away, then is soon led into floating dreams.
An altogether singular character offers wise counsel, although humanity tends to ignore wisdom.
“Your saviours are malevolent. They do not know themselves. They wear masks to cover their emptiness, and they force their way into the Shrine Of Life, where you were born.”
As with much of Crisp’s work, the book is elegant and reflective, with an uneasy undercurrent.