Breasts And Eggs by Mieko Kawakami
Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami is a profound exploration of contemporary womanhood in Japan, delving into themes of body image, motherhood, and societal expectations. The novel is divided into two parts, each focusing on the life of Natsuko, a Tokyo-based writer.
In the first part, Natsuko's sister Makiko visits Tokyo for a breast enhancement consultation, bringing along her adolescent daughter, Midoriko. Through Midoriko's diary entries, we gain insight into her struggles with puberty and her mother's obsession with plastic surgery. Kawakami skillfully portrays the complex dynamics between the sisters and the generational conflict between mother and daughter.
The second part shifts to ten years later, with Natsuko contemplating artificial insemination as she approaches forty. Her journey is marked by her asexuality and the societal pressures surrounding motherhood.
Kawakami's writing is characterized by its raw honesty and lyrical prose. She doesn't shy away from discussing the physical and emotional aspects of being a woman, making the novel both relatable and thought-provoking. The characters are vividly drawn, each grappling with their own insecurities and desires.
