Books Like...
"All the Lovers in the Night" by Mieko Kawakami follows the story of Fuyoko Irie, a 34-year-old woman living alone in Tokyo, whose days are filled with working as a proofreader. Fuyoko is portrayed as an introverted observer of the world, living in a state of daze to cope with the increasingly hostile outside world. Through her interactions with friends like Hijiri and a physics professor, Fuyoko's hidden poetic personality slowly emerges, leading her to question the meaning of relationships and life itself. The novel is described as a poetic, touching, and thought-provoking exploration of Fuyoko's internal struggles and the challenges she faces in finding her place in the world.
If you liked All the Lovers in the Night, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Breasts and Eggs' by Mieko Kawakami is a novel that follows the story of Natsuko and her relationships with her sister Makiko and niece Midoriko. The book delves into themes of womanhood, gender, class, motherhood, and societal expectations in Japan. The plot is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on Makiko's visit to Tokyo for breast enhancement surgery and the second part exploring Natsuko's contemplation of motherhood and her struggles as a writer. The writing style is described as straightforward, clear, and insightful, providing a moving and original perspective on women's bodies and their roles in Japanese society.
If you want to know how poor somebody was growing up, ask them how many windows they had. Don’t ask what was in their fridge or in their closet. The number of windows says it all. It says everything. ... 'There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job' by Polly Barton, Kikuko Tsumura follows the journey of a 30-something Japanese woman who takes on a series of temporary jobs to assess what she wants to do with her life. Each job presents unique challenges and bizarre situations, leading her to discover more about herself and her true calling. The book is structured as a collection of short stories, offering insights into Japanese culture and the struggles of working life, all presented in a light and amusing tone.
The writing style of the book is described as quirky, well-written, and casually friendly, with a touch of magical realism. The protagonist's interactions with her colleagues and the community add depth to her journey of self-discovery, while the plot unfolds in a series of job experiences that are both mundane and weird. The story provides a commentary on modern life and the pursuit of meaningful work, offering a glimpse into the protagonist's quest for a job that fits her desires and aspirations.
Both screens showed the same person. The footage on the left-hand screen dated from 22:00 the previous night, and the footage on the right-hand screen from 20:00 the night before that. In both, the pe...- #3
In 'Diary of a Void' by Emi Yagi, the story revolves around Miss Shibata, a woman working in a Japanese cardboard tube factory who pretends to be pregnant to escape the demeaning tasks assigned to her by her male coworkers. The book explores themes of gender inequality, societal expectations of motherhood, and the complexities of identity and self-worth. Through dry humor and a unique narrative style, the author delves into the contrast between the protagonist's fabricated pregnancy and the reality of her life, shedding light on cultural norms and personal struggles.
The writing style of 'Diary of a Void' is characterized by a mix of humor, introspection, and social commentary. The author weaves a compelling narrative that challenges traditional gender roles and societal norms, inviting readers to reflect on the dynamics of power, identity, and autonomy. With a touch of magical realism and a focus on the protagonist's journey of self-discovery, the book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of womanhood and societal expectations.
- #4
'The Hole' by Hiroko Oyamada is a surreal and mysterious novella that explores the life of Asa, a woman who moves to a remote location with her husband. As Asa navigates her mundane life and the challenges of isolation, she encounters strange occurrences, such as falling into a hole and experiencing supernatural events. The story delves into themes of absurdism vs existentialism, leaving readers questioning reality and the meaning of life. Oyamada's writing style is described as bizarre, weird, and poetic, with detailed descriptions that evoke a sense of curiosity and enchantment.
- #5
'Kitchen' by Banana Yoshimoto is a collection of two novellas that explore themes of love, loss, grief, and personal growth. The stories delve into the lives of characters coping with death and navigating relationships in a quiet and introspective manner. The writing style is described as spare yet evocative, capturing the essence of deep emotions and everyday actions with clarity and openness.
The place I like best in this world is the kitchen. No matter where it is, no matter what kind, if it's a kitchen, if it's a place where they make food, it's fine with me. Ideally it should be well br... - #6
Territory of Light by Yuko Tsushima is a novel that delves into the struggles of a newly single mother in Tokyo as she navigates life alone with her young child. The story follows the protagonist coping with depression, disorganization, and overwhelming responsibilities while refusing help from her husband and mother. The narrative captures the psychological impact of abandonment, the protagonist's internal struggles, and her unconventional behaviors, all set against a backdrop of societal and family pressures in Japan.
The book is narrated in a matter-of-fact Japanese style, offering a refreshing look at the challenges faced by the protagonist as she comes to terms with being a single parent. The plot unfolds through a series of events that highlight the protagonist's internal conflicts, unusual behaviors, and interactions with those around her, painting a poignant picture of a woman grappling with newfound freedom amidst chaos and darkness.
- #7
Lonely Castle in the Mirror follows the story of Kokoro, a 7th grader who has stopped attending school due to a mysterious incident. She spends her days at home, isolated from the outside world, until one day a light appears from her mirror, transporting her to a magical castle where she meets six other teenagers. Together, they are tasked with finding a key hidden in the castle that can grant one of their wishes. As they navigate the challenges of the castle, they also navigate their own struggles and form deep connections with each other. The book delves into themes of mental health, school bullying, and friendship, blending elements of urban fairytale and fantasy quest in a poignant and imaginative way.
The novel intricately weaves together elements of fantasy, realism, and magical realism, creating a captivating and emotional narrative that addresses difficult topics with sensitivity. Through the lens of the seven teenagers and their journey in the castle, the author explores the complexities of their inner lives, relationships, and personal growth. The story unfolds gradually, revealing layers of depth and meaning as the characters grapple with their past traumas and present challenges, ultimately finding hope and connection in the midst of their struggles.
BEYOND THE DRAWN CURTAINS floated the sound of the little truck from the local supermarket coming to sell produce. ‘It’s A Small World’ – the song from Kokoro’s favourite ride at Disneyland – boomed f... - #8
'Kokoro' by Natsume Soseki is a narrative that delicately addresses themes such as the indignity of death, sin and redemption, existentialism, self-recrimination, and misanthropy. Set against the backdrop of the Meiji era, the book explores the clash between two generations of Japanese men and the transition from traditional to modern ways of thinking. The story revolves around a mysterious middle-aged man, Sensei, who forms a mentoring bond with the protagonist, leading to a spiritual investigation into the corruption of the human soul. The book unfolds through a series of introspective monologues and a letter from Sensei revealing his past mistakes and the guilt he carries.
The writing style in 'Kokoro' is described as beautiful, graceful, and introspective, with a simplicity of voice that sets it apart. The character development is subtle yet effective, drawing readers in with a feeling of dread that intensifies as the story progresses. The book's structure, with a focus on interpersonal relationships and the responsibilities of friendship, culminates in a thought-provoking and emotional journey that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Sensei had just taken his clothes off and was about to go for a swim when I first laid eyes on him in the tea house. I had already had my swim, and was letting the wind blow gently on my wet body. Bet... - #9
'Sweet Bean Paste' by Durian Sukegawa is a heartwarming tale that follows Sentaro, a man working in a confectionary shop making dorayaki pancakes filled with sweet bean paste. His life takes an unexpected turn when an elderly woman named Tokue joins him at the shop, bringing with her a delicious bean paste recipe and a unique perspective on life. As their friendship blossoms, they both learn valuable lessons about redemption, friendship, and the beauty of everyday life. The book delves into themes of confinement, past traumas, and the importance of finding hope and meaning in life.
The writing style of 'Sweet Bean Paste' is described as evocative, spare, and poignant, with a simple yet profound narrative that explores deep cultural and philosophical themes. The story unfolds through the interactions between the characters, revealing layers of complexity and emotion as they navigate personal struggles, societal prejudices, and the power of human connection.
Sentaro stood over a hot griddle inside the Doraharu shop, as he did all day everyday, cooking pancakes for his dorayaki. Cherry Blossom Street was a run-down commercial strip in a depressed part of t... - #10
"Strange Weather in Tokyo" by Hiromi Kawakami is a tender and quiet story that follows Tsukiko, a lonely office worker in her thirties, who unexpectedly reconnects with her former high school teacher, Sensei, in a Tokyo bar. Despite their age difference and differences in personalities, the two form an unlikely companionship that slowly blossoms into a delicate and heartfelt romance. The book explores themes of loneliness, connection, and love through the lens of everyday interactions, food, and sake, creating a dreamlike atmosphere rooted in Japanese culture and societal norms. Kawakami's writing style is spare yet mesmerizing, drawing readers into the evolving relationship between Tsukiko and Sensei with subtle humor and poignant observations.
Sensei and I exchanged glances. Despite the fact that we came to this bar almost every other night, the owner had never once treated us like regulars or made a point of making friendly conversation. R...