Gingko Season

“Superb… Some novels announce themselves with virtuosic plotting or language, headline-worthy conceits, Big Ideas. This is not one of them, and it’s better for it.” – Lauren Christensen - New York Times Book Review“Witty and delightful.” – People“A stunning debut that immerses readers in a vibrant, layered world of introspection and discovery. Following Penelope as she navigates love, identity, and the complexities of city life, the novel masterfully balances poignant observations on relationships with moments of quiet beauty. Xu Elegant’s lyrical prose captures the rhythms of daily life, while also exploring deeper themes of belonging and cultural heritage. This is a deeply moving, thought-provoking read that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt adrift and sought meaning in the everyday.” – Weike Wang, author of Joan is Okay and Chemistry“A deeply funny portrayal of young adulthood’s most classic anxieties. Naomi Xu Elegant nails the earnest confusion of one’s mid-twenties as told through the modern parlance of situationships, ethical altruism, and diasporic angst. This is a novel interested in dissecting the feeling of feelings—and wondering aloud about the grace of living a so-called small life.” – Delia Cai, author of Central Places“Exquisitely written and deeply felt. Suffused with a gentle, ever-precise sense of humor, Gingko Season is a resonant and tender portrayal of the complexities of connection and attachment. [It] perfectly captures the loneliness and hope of youth, and the delightfully disorienting sensation of becoming unmoored in love.” – Gina Chung, author of Sea Change and Green Frog“The story is narrated by Penelope, and debut author Elegant writes long, rhythmic, fluid sentences. She and her protagonist are tuned into the five senses, making the book’s descriptive paragraphs a pleasure to read… This feels like a beautifully wrought short story extended into novel form.” – Kirkus Reviews

Naomi Xu Elegant is a writer and journalist living in New York City. Her work has appeared in Monocle, Fortune, and Atlas Obscura.