Gaijin Live Next Door

They wanted to live on their own terms. Moving halfway across the world would challenge every inch of their beliefs.

Australia, 1984. Heather Hackett struggles to please anyone. With her husband desperate for adventure and her parents demanding they settle down, her loyalty is torn. Ultimately giving in to her partner's free spirit, she loads up their baby and a few backpacks to emigrate with him to Japan.

Though she's keen for the dramatic change of scenery, Heather quickly discovers relocating abroad without a plan is a difficult business. With no jobs and no understanding of the language, she finds herself digging through garbage just to survive. And her spouse's relentless drive to keep traveling is destined to bring more trouble...

This true account of Heather's personal journey raising her family in a strange land with little support will take you deep into the heart of a young mother's conflicts. Told warts and all, you'll laugh and cry alongside the couple as they try to create an extraordinary and unconventional future from humble beginnings.

Gaijin Live Next Door: Eight Years in Japan is the enthralling second book in the Ten Years From Home memoir series. If you like profound honesty, fascinating cultural insights, and the real day-to-day hurdles of persevering as an expat, then you'll love Heather Hackett's inspiring story.

Buy Gaijin Live Next Door: Eight Years in Japan to throw caution to the wind today