A review by womenvsthevoid
Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Vanishing World creates a society in which sex between married people is considered incest and artificial insemination is taking over procreation. As artificial insemination advances, sex altogether becomes archaic and bodily urges are more inconvenient than exciting. Amane adjusts to this changing world more easily than anticipated, always wanting to be part of what’s “normal” after being raised by a mother who swears by the purity of having sex for both pleasure and to conceive. In Vanishing World, Sayaka Murata recreates the story of Adam and Eve, and makes readers question the future of sex if it’s no longer necessary to have children. In her typical format, Murata constructs a naked version of the world, exploring what generates our most basic human impulses. 

Thank you Sayaka Murata, Grove Press, and Netgalley for advance access to Vanishing World!