Mieko Kawakami's novel 'All the Lovers in the Night' explores anxiety and connection in Tokyo
Mieko Kawakami's novel 'All the Lovers in the Night,' now available in English, centers on Fuyuko, a proofreader in her thirties living in Tokyo. To manage her anxiety, she engages in reading rituals. The narrative delves into her connections with her boss, Hijiri, with whom she shares lengthy phone calls, and Mitsutsuka, whom she encounters at a cultural center. Their coffee meetings spark Fuyuko's romantic feelings, further complicated by her introverted nature. Kawakami's intricate realism captures Fuyuko's journey of self-exploration and aspirations. The book also examines her changing dynamic with Hijiri as they navigate societal expectations. Released by Picador for £14.99, it was translated by Sam Bett and David Boyd, following the success of 'Breasts and Eggs' in 2020.
Key facts
- Mieko Kawakami's novel 'All the Lovers in the Night' has been translated into English
- The protagonist Fuyuko is a proofreader in her mid-thirties living alone in Tokyo
- Fuyuko develops an infatuation with Mitsutsuka after meeting him at a cultural center
- The novel explores Fuyuko's relationships with her boss Hijiri and Mitsutsuka
- Kawakami uses clean, detailed realism with occasional emphasis on Fuyuko's juvenility when drunk
- The book was published by Picador in softcover for £14.99
- Translation was completed by Sam Bett and David Boyd
- This follows Kawakami's previous success with 'Breasts and Eggs' in 2020
Entities
Artists
- Mieko Kawakami
- Sam Bett
- David Boyd
Institutions
- Picador
- ArtReview
Locations
- Tokyo
- Japan