Diary of a Void

Cutting and delightful--simultaneously sad and challenging

The definition of "it was okay." This book is saying things about being a woman in Japan in terms of gendered expectations at work and in motherhood. The extra labor women are supposed to take on with childcare and the lack of respect for that work.

I wish the book had gotten weirder or darker or something. It stayed pretty on the nose and so little happens. There were moments when I thought, "that was poignant," but a lot of the time it was just not that interesting. At least it was pretty short!

First half is great and captivating, loses its momentum in the second half. Still, an interesting reflection on the position of women and pregnancy, encapsulated by an all compassing but quiet loneliness.

At first, I thought this is going to be a fun, short while read with social commentary, regarding sexism, the role of women in a work environment and gender roles in relationships. But at some point the narrative...shifted. This book became a story about denial, loneliness, alienation and change. It gave the book a whole 'nother layer.

I enjoyed Emu Yagi's debut novel very much. The translation was good - it "flowed" well and there were some beautifully written passages.