“Elegantly written . . . Nothomb demonstrates a shrewd understanding of the intricate ways Japanese relationships are made and spoiled.” —The New York Times Book Review

“[A] polished little satire.” —The Wall Street Journal

“A scathingly funny novella.” —Newsday (New York)

“Amélie Nothomb adds humor, the ingredient most often missing in other writers from France of her generation, the ingredient most difficult to translate.” —Los Angeles Times

“An utterly charming, humorous tale of East meets West . . . Nothomb is a terrific writer whose writing style is simple, honest, and elegant. Very highly recommended.” —Library Journal

“A sharp, satiric new novel . . . Readers are sure to be won over by her spare, self-deprecating and wise tale.” —Publishers Weekly

“Highly entertaining . . . Fear and Trembling (a perfect title) is filled with both droll observations and wry bitch gags.” —Kirkus Reviews

“There can be no doubt about Amélie Nothomb's talent: her imagination, energy, facility, fertility, her edgy use of language all prove that she is a writer of enormous gifts. Her writing is as sharp as a whip, the perfect antidote to sleep-inducing novels. She wakes you up. She shakes you up . . . Fear and Trembling will keep readers entertained and on the edge of their seats until the final page.” —Le Figaro

“More than anything this is a beautiful love story--in which Sappho meets the Marquis de Sade.” —Le Nouvel Observateur

“Fear and Trembling is Nothomb at her finest. Never has she been so daring or inspired . . . This book is a small miracle. On second thought, no 'small' about it; it is plain and simple a miracle.” —Le Point