The Bridge Across the Pacific (Paperback)

Racist, sexist, ageist and homophobic, recent university graduate Marvin Matthews is the last person who should be teaching English in Japan. However, he accepts a position for two reasons: the job supposedly entails very little work, and he has heard that Japanese women adore foreign men. Much to his dismay, however, he soon discovers that reality differs dramatically from his preconceived notions. With none of his expectations being met, and living in a country whose culture he finds bizarre, Marvin becomes increasingly more frustrated with each passing day. As his troubles escalate, he lashes out at those around him, certain that his problems are due to the inscrutabilities of the Japanese people, as well as his fellow English speaking co-workers (whom Marvin dismisses as Japan 'apologists').