Plot Summary

The Box Man

Kōbō Abe
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The Box Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1973

Book Brief

Kōbō Abe

The Box Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1973
Book Details
Pages

178

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Japan • 1970s

Publication Year

1973

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

950L

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Super Short Summary

The Box Man by Kōbō Abe follows a man who chooses to live inside a box to protect himself from the world, observing without being seen. The novel explores his struggles with temptation, curiosity, and maintaining his isolated lifestyle, using the box as a metaphor for modern issues like surveillance, alienation, and societal instability. The man recounts his past, revealing layers of psychological and philosophical complexity.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Melancholic

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

3.9

6,973 ratings

57%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Kōbō Abe's The Box Man is lauded for its innovative narrative and thought-provoking exploration of identity and existence. Critics appreciate its surreal and existential themes, though some find its abstract style and fragmented plot challenging. Overall, it's praised for its originality and depth but may not appeal to those who prefer straightforward storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Box Man?

A reader who would enjoy The Box Man by Kōbō Abe is likely fascinated by existential themes, complex characters, and surreal storytelling. Similar in its explorations of identity and isolation to Kafka's The Metamorphosis and Camus' The Stranger, this novel appeals to those who appreciate profound philosophical inquiries within fiction.

3.9

6,973 ratings

57%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

178

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Japan • 1970s

Publication Year

1973

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

950L

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