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mrpitmansgranddaughter 's review for:
Breasts and Eggs
by Mieko Kawakami
I so want to be able to review this as two separate books, which is how this book was originally published in Japan. Book one for me the 'Breasts' part of the book is a 3 star however book two the 'Eggs' part is a easily a 4 if not higher. After finishing book one I was so tempted to put this book down and return to the second book another time. I am so glad I didn't because realistically I don't think I would have done and I would have missed an incredible read.
In book one we are introduced to Natsuko an aspiring writer living in Tokyo, awaiting the arrival of her older sister (Makiko) and her daughter (Midoriko) from their hometown of Osaka. We then read on as they reunite for a couple of days during which the relationship between Makiko and Midoriko is explored after Midoriko makes the choice to not use her voice to communicate. We also read how Mikiko is hoping to get breast surgery. Ultimately this first book is well written and has some really poignant moments but the plot just wasn't there for me and I didn't feel the book really concluded. Book 2 was completely the opposite.
In book two the focus is on Natsuko who 10 years after book one is now a successful writer and comes to a stage in her life where she cannot ignore an inner need to know her child, not just to give birth, or be a mother, or because she is a women and women have babies, but a pure need to know her child.
From here the book cleverly works through positives and negatives of donor conception (in Japanese culture so there are some differences to note). From telling friends to meeting children who came from donor conception, we get to intimately explore this with Natsuko who carries the weight of each of these experiences as she tries to understand her own journey.
Book two feels much more plot led but it doesn't mean that the style of writing is lost. One particular part of the book is Natsuko speaking with someone who was born after Donor Conception and how child birth is a violent act towards a child who has no choice in being born. It's a big topic, written with care and consideration, exploring not only an ethical topic but one which can be so controversial in Japanese culture. The respite in this book comes from the detail of everyday Japanese life and friendship and hope.
This book really deserves a chance. I have seen reviews which say book one is better than book two but either way I am so glad that I read this book.
In book one we are introduced to Natsuko an aspiring writer living in Tokyo, awaiting the arrival of her older sister (Makiko) and her daughter (Midoriko) from their hometown of Osaka. We then read on as they reunite for a couple of days during which the relationship between Makiko and Midoriko is explored after Midoriko makes the choice to not use her voice to communicate. We also read how Mikiko is hoping to get breast surgery. Ultimately this first book is well written and has some really poignant moments but the plot just wasn't there for me and I didn't feel the book really concluded. Book 2 was completely the opposite.
In book two the focus is on Natsuko who 10 years after book one is now a successful writer and comes to a stage in her life where she cannot ignore an inner need to know her child, not just to give birth, or be a mother, or because she is a women and women have babies, but a pure need to know her child.
From here the book cleverly works through positives and negatives of donor conception (in Japanese culture so there are some differences to note). From telling friends to meeting children who came from donor conception, we get to intimately explore this with Natsuko who carries the weight of each of these experiences as she tries to understand her own journey.
Book two feels much more plot led but it doesn't mean that the style of writing is lost. One particular part of the book is Natsuko speaking with someone who was born after Donor Conception and how child birth is a violent act towards a child who has no choice in being born. It's a big topic, written with care and consideration, exploring not only an ethical topic but one which can be so controversial in Japanese culture. The respite in this book comes from the detail of everyday Japanese life and friendship and hope.
This book really deserves a chance. I have seen reviews which say book one is better than book two but either way I am so glad that I read this book.