Soho Press

This heartfelt and quirky young adult fantasy debut follows a young outcast on a journey of transformation . . . into a robot vacuum cleaner.

A fresh twist on Japanese mythology that doubles as a deep, honest dive into mental health.

“I wish to become one of those round vacuum cleaner robots.” That’s what Machi prays for at the altar of Japanese goddess Benzaiten. Ever since her two best friends decided they want nothing to do with her, Machi hasn’t been able to speak. After months of online school and a carousel of therapists, Machi can no longer see the point of being human. But she doesn’t expect Benzaiten to actually hear her prayer, much less offer a counter-prayer: to show Machi the beauty of humanity, ultimately restoring her to her previous self.

Benzaiten is enamored with the human world—possibly too enamored—and, as she’s the goddess of love, humanity is enamored right back. Being second-best to another friend isn’t helping Machi move past her trauma, and with each adventure they share, Machi is reminded of everything she’s lost. It isn’t until Machi starts interacting with the souls of the dead—a byproduct of being around Benzaiten—that she starts to rediscover her place among the living.

From an author to watch, The Lost Souls of Benzaiten is a highly original debut about the nature of happiness and the potential for healing.