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53 pages 1 hour read

Breasts and Eggs

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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

Breasts and Eggs

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

430

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Japan • 2010s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.0

65,703 ratings

69%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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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.

4.0

65,703 ratings

69%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Natsuko “Natsu” Natsume

The protagonist of the story, Natsu is a single, childless woman navigating societal expectations and her own desires while working a minimum-wage job and aspiring to be a successful mother and author.

Natsu’s niece, who is grappling with her changing relationship with her mother and societal roles as she grows from a child into a young adult.

Natsu’s older sister who is a devoted mother and works at a hostess bar, juggling her insecurities and ambitions while supporting her daughter and sister.

A successful novelist who befriends Natsu, supporting her on her fertility journey and embodying the role of a confident single mother.

A significant male character and friend to Natsu, who shares similar feelings of societal alienation and eventually collaborates with her in her personal goals.

Aizawa’s girlfriend known for her views on procreation and challenging traditional ideas about motherhood.

Natsu’s editor, a career-focused woman who presents a contrasting perspective on the balance between professional ambitions and motherhood.

Book Details
Pages

430

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Japan • 2010s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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