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A review by sweetbeetle
All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
4.5
My first Mieko Kawakami! Did not know what to expect, but the book definitely exceeded my expectations! A minute after finishing it, I felt like I should re-read it.
Listened to it as an audiobook, and it felt like an 8 hour long slice-of-life podcast of streams of consciousness. I wanted it to go on even longer! Normally I can get bored when the plot does not move, but in this case I enjoyed the stagnant parts the most.
This book does not have an ordinarily structured storyline, even though it is told linearly. A lot of the events does not progress the plot in obvious way. I have seen reviews calling Fuyuko passive, but I disagree. The seemingly random events that unfold actually changes her a lot, and while her external reactions can be passive, she changes internally. I think Kawakami's real talent in this book is writing an introverted character changing in an immensely realistic way.
And changing is not necessarily growth, it is just changing.
This book did not end the way I expected, and for that I was glad. I understand why some people are disappointed, but I loved the book because the events felt like real life; things happen, some things mean a lot, some things don't go the way we thought they would, and sometimes the things stopping us from being happy are inside our minds, other times they are external.
A wishy-washy plot and a lack of linear character growth only works well if written by incredibly talented writers. I loved My Year of Rest and Relaxation for the same reason. I understand this type of book is not everyone's cup of tea, and can be downright frustrating, but I was so happy while listening to it.
I loved the theme of a woman exploring love, sexuality and the difference between fantasy and reality for the first time, written in such a subtle way.
I loved the indirect commentary on modern capitalism from a female, Japanese perspective (paired very well with Diary of a Void and all of Sayaka Murata's books).
I loved the female character's conversations, they could have been much longer! (Though she should have cut those God awful conversations with Mitsuzuka short, and just focused on Fuyuko's feelings instead.)
Just lots of love to this book, but yes, if you find yourself bored and irritated, just put it down. The joy should come from the stream of consciousness, Fuyuko's character, and accepting a lack of answers and clarity.
Listened to it as an audiobook, and it felt like an 8 hour long slice-of-life podcast of streams of consciousness. I wanted it to go on even longer! Normally I can get bored when the plot does not move, but in this case I enjoyed the stagnant parts the most.
This book does not have an ordinarily structured storyline, even though it is told linearly. A lot of the events does not progress the plot in obvious way. I have seen reviews calling Fuyuko passive, but I disagree. The seemingly random events that unfold actually changes her a lot, and while her external reactions can be passive, she changes internally. I think Kawakami's real talent in this book is writing an introverted character changing in an immensely realistic way.
And changing is not necessarily growth, it is just changing.
This book did not end the way I expected, and for that I was glad. I understand why some people are disappointed, but I loved the book because the events felt like real life; things happen, some things mean a lot, some things don't go the way we thought they would, and sometimes the things stopping us from being happy are inside our minds, other times they are external.
A wishy-washy plot and a lack of linear character growth only works well if written by incredibly talented writers. I loved My Year of Rest and Relaxation for the same reason. I understand this type of book is not everyone's cup of tea, and can be downright frustrating, but I was so happy while listening to it.
I loved the theme of a woman exploring love, sexuality and the difference between fantasy and reality for the first time, written in such a subtle way.
I loved the indirect commentary on modern capitalism from a female, Japanese perspective (paired very well with Diary of a Void and all of Sayaka Murata's books).
I loved the female character's conversations, they could have been much longer! (Though she should have cut those God awful conversations with Mitsuzuka short, and just focused on Fuyuko's feelings instead.)
Just lots of love to this book, but yes, if you find yourself bored and irritated, just put it down. The joy should come from the stream of consciousness, Fuyuko's character, and accepting a lack of answers and clarity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Alcoholism