53 pages • 1 hour read
Mieko Kawakami, Transl. Sam Bett, Transl. David BoydBreasts and Eggs
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami, translated by Sam Bett and David Boyd, Natsuko “Natsu” Natsume, a single woman living in contemporary Tokyo, navigates her journey towards solo motherhood while contending with societal expectations and personal dilemmas related to womanhood, reproductive rights, and life outside conventional gender roles. The novel explores topics including domestic violence, suicidal ideation, and sexual abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami, translated by Sam Bett and David Boyd, offers a powerful exploration of womanhood, identity, and societal expectations. Praised for its intricate character development and lyrical prose, the novel provides a poignant yet nuanced narrative. Critics, however, note that its slow pacing may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it’s a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Breasts and Eggs?
Readers who enjoy Breasts and Eggs are likely fans of contemporary literary fiction that explores the intricacies of womanhood, identity, and societal expectations. Similar audiences might appreciate Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend or Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood for their nuanced character studies and emotional depth.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Japanese Literature
Asian Literature
Modern Classic Fiction
Gender / Feminism
Women's Studies (Nonfiction)
Identity: Gender
Identity: Femininity
Relationships: Mothers
Asian Literature