48 pages • 1 hour read
The Woman in the Dunes
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Book Brief
241
Novel • Fiction
Rural Japan • 1960s
1962
Adult
18+ years
850L
Super Short Summary
In Kōbō Abe’s The Woman in the Dunes, an amateur entomologist visits a seaside village to collect insects and becomes trapped in a sand pit with a woman who spends her life shoveling sand to protect the village. As he struggles to escape and adapt to his new existence, existential themes unfold, questioning identity, freedom, and purpose. The novel contains descriptions of sexual assault.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Gritty
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
35,346 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Woman in the Dunes by Kōbō Abe has been praised for its existential themes, rich symbolism, and atmospheric prose. Critics appreciate Abe's exploration of human isolation and the absurdity of life. However, some find the narrative pacing slow and the character development lacking. Overall, it is seen as a compelling, though sometimes challenging, read.
Who Should Read The Woman in the Dunes?
Readers who enjoy existential and surreal literature like Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis or Albert Camus' The Stranger will be captivated by Kōbō Abe’s The Woman in the Dunes. They seek profound psychological and philosophical reflections, appreciating allegorical stories that question human existence and societal norms.
35,346 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Woman
The Woman
An enigmatic resident of the sand village who lives in a sand dune and interacts with Niki Jumpei, revealing layers of her life and community while challenging his perceptions and expectations.
241
Novel • Fiction
Rural Japan • 1960s
1962
Adult
18+ years
850L
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