The Pine Islands

Gilbert Silvester, a lecturer on beard fashions in film, wakes one day from a dream that his wife has cheated on him. In response he flees - immediately, irrationally, inexplicably - to Japan. In Tokyo, he discovers the travel writings of the great Japanese poet Basho. Suddenly, from Gilbert’s directionless crisis there emerges a purpose: a pilgrimage in the footsteps of the poet to see the moon rise over the pine islands of Matsushima. A new beginning to give meaning to his ruptured life.