A review by thealbapoems
Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A very interesting take on women’s reproductive rights and bodies. Grounded by complex female characters and their entangled relationships, the cities, and the weather. Something about the style felt a bit superficial to me, particularly in the first half of the book, but it still made me think and reflect, which I enjoyed. Not dense, but definitely not actioned packed, it almost reads like a prolonged reflection. The scene that stuck with me the most is

when Midoriko and Mikako have their fight leading to their reconciliation and start breaking eggs on their forehead. Everything about that image was absolutely haunting, the way Midoriko has to channel her pain and her love and frustration towards her mom, and how she, in turn, replies the same way. Something about the desperation struck a chord with me.

I liked it, but I think it might be overrated.