The Lacquer BoxPaperback, 27 October 2022

This story is about a girl who encounters an earthquake in Kobe, Japan and attempts to rescue her mother's cherished possession - a Japanese lacquer box. From devastation to inspiration, her life unfolds by holding on to the salvaged healing box. The trials and tribulations of Mayuri connect to the process of making the lacquer box. Metaphorically speaking, it is the layer upon layer of applying the lacquer polish to reach its final glossy and refined state which parallels Mayuri's process of becoming a polished and refined professional violinist. Feelings of loss and despair can change to hope and aspiration. This underlying message comes through the symbolism of traditional art products from different cultures and how they help in leading one to a path where great things in life can be achieved.