I have been reading a number of books by Yoshimoto Banana, and my Japanese conversation partner asked if there were any authors similar to Yoshimoto writing in English? I can't think of any, but then, I am not really up on English literature. Thanks!

I have only read Kitchen, but it kinda reminded me of Augusten Burroughs. Try his book Running with Scissors.

[Zgarbas]

Yoshimoto cites Isaac Bashevis Singer and Truman Capote as her most influential authors, if that helps with anything. You can feel some south-american literature influence in her writing style, and beatnik influences are also pretty strong.

I think Ian McEwan is pretty close for some reason, though they have their differences.

Thanks for the leads!