Scan barcode
A review by bookmaddie
Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Honestly, I could never do this book justice. It's just a masterpiece—both thematically and technically. Kawakami's writing is so immediately immersive. Even when I hadn't picked up this book for awhile, I was instantly drawn back into the story and the world of Natsuko. Kawakami's descriptions are also unmatched. There were many unique turns-of-phrase that I lost count (and unfortunately did not underline or write down). Just a delight to read.
And of course, the subject matter. Kawakami deep dives into motherhood and what it means to inhabit a body as a woman. While I usually shy away from any content involving motherhood, as it's something that doesn't really appeal to me, I was fascinated by how Kawakami explores the idea. I feel like almost every perspective as to why or why one shouldn't have a child was explored in some depth. Even so, a strong feminist vein runs beneath this entire story. While Natsuko struggles to figure out whether she wants to have a child, and how to do so, it is understood that this decision is one that every person should have the opportunity and resources to make. It was especially interesting to see how lacking in infrastructure and social support it was for women to have a child without a male partner, as it's much more common here in the United States and seems like no big deal to me.
Also, I really appreciated the asexual representation. It felt really nice to read a story that didn't revolve around romance, but still included intense personal relationships and the desire for family. Kawakami gives such depth and care to that experience, and it was really beautiful.
I also adored Midoriko's diary entries in the first section of the book. Her ideas about her changing body and the "purpose" of being a woman were really innocent yet grounded in reality—the perfect perspective of a young teen going through puberty. I thought they were really thought-provoking and they really struck me.
I need to go buy my own copy ASAP and reread. This is one that deserves it—possibly my favorite book I've read this year. Can't wait to read more of her work as it is translated into English.
--
amazing descriptions. so unique and evocative
And of course, the subject matter. Kawakami deep dives into motherhood and what it means to inhabit a body as a woman. While I usually shy away from any content involving motherhood, as it's something that doesn't really appeal to me, I was fascinated by how Kawakami explores the idea. I feel like almost every perspective as to why or why one shouldn't have a child was explored in some depth. Even so, a strong feminist vein runs beneath this entire story. While Natsuko struggles to figure out whether she wants to have a child, and how to do so, it is understood that this decision is one that every person should have the opportunity and resources to make. It was especially interesting to see how lacking in infrastructure and social support it was for women to have a child without a male partner, as it's much more common here in the United States and seems like no big deal to me.
Also, I really appreciated the asexual representation. It felt really nice to read a story that didn't revolve around romance, but still included intense personal relationships and the desire for family. Kawakami gives such depth and care to that experience, and it was really beautiful.
I also adored Midoriko's diary entries in the first section of the book. Her ideas about her changing body and the "purpose" of being a woman were really innocent yet grounded in reality—the perfect perspective of a young teen going through puberty. I thought they were really thought-provoking and they really struck me.
I need to go buy my own copy ASAP and reread. This is one that deserves it—possibly my favorite book I've read this year. Can't wait to read more of her work as it is translated into English.
--
amazing descriptions. so unique and evocative
Content Warnings
Minor: Terminal illness