Book Review Of Breasts and Eggs By Mieko Kawakami

Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami is a deeply introspective and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of womanhood, motherhood, and family. The novel is split into two parts, with the first part following the story of Natsuko, a writer living in Tokyo who is grappling with her decision to remain childless, and the second part focusing on her younger sister Makiko, who is considering breast augmentation surgery.

Kawakami’s writing is powerful and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the city of Tokyo and the people who inhabit it. The novel is largely character-driven, with Natsuko and Makiko’s thoughts and emotions taking center stage. Kawakami does an excellent job of delving deep into their psyches, allowing readers to fully understand their fears, hopes, and desires.

The first part of the novel is particularly poignant, as Natsuko grapples with the societal pressure to have children and the guilt she feels for not wanting them. Kawakami expertly weaves in the stories of other women in Natsuko’s life, including her own mother and a young girl she meets on a trip, to highlight the various ways that society places expectations on women and their bodies.

The second part of the novel, while not quite as emotionally charged as the first, is still a compelling exploration of body image and the lengths women will go to feel comfortable in their own skin. Makiko’s desire for breast augmentation surgery is deeply personal and complicated, and Kawakami does an excellent job of showing the many factors that contribute to her decision.

Overall, Breasts and Eggs is a beautifully written and deeply affecting novel that offers a poignant meditation on the complexities of womanhood and the pressures that women face in society. It is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature, and a testament to Kawakami’s talent as a writer.