53 pages 1 hour read

Mieko Kawakami, Transl. Sam Bett, Transl. David Boyd

Breasts and Eggs

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami, translated by Sam Bett and David Boyd, Natsuko “Natsu” Natsume, a single woman living in contemporary Tokyo, navigates her journey towards solo motherhood while contending with societal expectations and personal dilemmas related to womanhood, reproductive rights, and life outside conventional gender roles. The novel explores topics including domestic violence, suicidal ideation, and sexual abuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami, translated by Sam Bett and David Boyd, offers a powerful exploration of womanhood, identity, and societal expectations. Praised for its intricate character development and lyrical prose, the novel provides a poignant yet nuanced narrative. Critics, however, note that its slow pacing may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it’s a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Breasts and Eggs?

Readers who enjoy Breasts and Eggs are likely fans of contemporary literary fiction that explores the intricacies of womanhood, identity, and societal expectations. Similar audiences might appreciate Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend or Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood for their nuanced character studies and emotional depth.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Japanese Literature

Asian Literature

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

Gender / Feminism

Women's Studies (Nonfiction)

Themes

Identity: Gender

Identity: Femininity

Relationships: Mothers

Period

Asian Literature