UNDERSPIN

Austin Ku's understated narration evokes the melancholy atmosphere of this haunting coming-of-age story set in the world of competitive table tennis. The novel opens with a tragedy: Ryan Lo, a table tennis prodigy, is dead at age 24. At his funeral his parents wait for his usually punctual longtime coach, Kristian, to arrive. The narrative then moves back in time, unfolding through multiple perspectives as each character reveals fragments of Ryan's turbulent journey. From heartbreak and injury to triumph and defeat, Zhao crafts an incisive portrait of ambition in competitive athletics. Ku keeps emotions to a minimum while still underscoring the heavy mood of the story. A richly detailed bildungsroman that has plenty of appeal for those who love sports and even those who don't. V.T.M. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2025]