Lavinia reviewed Mild Vertigo by Polly Barton
Review of 'Mild Vertigo' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Natsumi's life revolves around her family and the mundane tasks that accompany her role as a housewife. From preparing meals to tending to her husband and children, every action becomes a symbol of the monotonous and isolated life she leads.
Originally written in 1997 by Mieko Kanai and recently translated into English by Polly Barton, Mild Vertigo delves into the depths of isolation, the challenges of a monotonous life, and the intricacies of family relationships.
By painting a vivid picture of Natsumi's repetitive daily routine, Mieko Kanai masterfully captures the essence of monotony and the suffocating feeling of being trapped in a never-ending cycle. The unconscious mental narrative style allows the reader to dive into the depths of Natsumi's mind, experiencing her internal monologue and feeling the weight of each monotonous act in real time. Her musings, fears, and desires reflect the mundane nature of her daily life and provide a glimpse into the depths of her longing for something more meaningful.
Within this domestic sphere, which serves as a microcosm of alienation, Kanai examines the intricate dynamics of family relationships. Natsumi's interactions with her husband and children serve as a backdrop for studying the multifaceted nature of familial bonds and the human need for connection and belonging. At the heart of the novel lies Natsumi's relationship with her husband and the intricacies of marriage, exploring the challenges of maintaining intimacy and connection over time.
Mild Vertigo is a dreamlike and introspective journey of a woman who contemplates her own existence and the challenges of forging connections in a world that can feel disconnected. Hence the title of the novel. It reflects the protagonist's internal state of mind, which is often dizzying and disorienting.
Originally written in 1997 by Mieko Kanai and recently translated into English by Polly Barton, Mild Vertigo delves into the depths of isolation, the challenges of a monotonous life, and the intricacies of family relationships.
By painting a vivid picture of Natsumi's repetitive daily routine, Mieko Kanai masterfully captures the essence of monotony and the suffocating feeling of being trapped in a never-ending cycle. The unconscious mental narrative style allows the reader to dive into the depths of Natsumi's mind, experiencing her internal monologue and feeling the weight of each monotonous act in real time. Her musings, fears, and desires reflect the mundane nature of her daily life and provide a glimpse into the depths of her longing for something more meaningful.
Within this domestic sphere, which serves as a microcosm of alienation, Kanai examines the intricate dynamics of family relationships. Natsumi's interactions with her husband and children serve as a backdrop for studying the multifaceted nature of familial bonds and the human need for connection and belonging. At the heart of the novel lies Natsumi's relationship with her husband and the intricacies of marriage, exploring the challenges of maintaining intimacy and connection over time.
Mild Vertigo is a dreamlike and introspective journey of a woman who contemplates her own existence and the challenges of forging connections in a world that can feel disconnected. Hence the title of the novel. It reflects the protagonist's internal state of mind, which is often dizzying and disorienting.