Breasts and Eggs: A Novel by Mieko Kawakami
If you are looking for a novel that explores contemporary womanhood, family, and identity in Japan, you might be interested in Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami. This novel tells the stories of three women who face different challenges and choices in their lives, such as breast augmentation, single motherhood, and sperm donation. In this article, we will give you an overview of what the book is about, who the author is, why the book is important, and how you can download it for free as a PDF file.
breasts and eggs book pdf free download
Introduction
What is the book about?
Breasts and Eggs is a novel that consists of two parts: Book One: Breasts, and Book Two: Eggs. The first part was originally published as a novella in 2008, while the second part was added in 2019. The novel follows the lives of three women who are related by blood: Natsuko, a 30-year-old aspiring writer; Makiko, her 39-year-old sister who works as a hostess in a bar; and Midoriko, Makiko's 12-year-old daughter who has stopped speaking. The novel explores their struggles with their bodies, their relationships, their social status, and their desires.
Who is the author?
Mieko Kawakami is a Japanese writer who was born in Osaka in 1976. She started her career as a singer-songwriter before turning to literature. She has published several books of poetry, essays, short stories, and novels. She is one of the most acclaimed and popular contemporary authors in Japan. She has won several literary awards, such as the Akutagawa Prize, the Tanizaki Prize, and the Murasaki Shikibu Prize. She has also been praised by other famous writers, such as Haruki Murakami, Yoko Ogawa, and Elena Ferrante.
Why is the book important?
Breasts and Eggs is an important book because it tackles some of the most pressing issues that women face in today's society, such as beauty standards, reproductive rights, sexual violence, economic inequality, and loneliness. The book also offers a realistic and nuanced portrayal of working-class women in Japan The book also challenges the traditional notions of family, motherhood, and femininity in Japan, where women are expected to marry, have children, and sacrifice their careers and dreams for their husbands and families. The book shows how the three women resist, question, or embrace these expectations in different ways. The book also celebrates the power of female friendship, solidarity, and creativity in the face of adversity.
* Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami ebook download
* How to read Breasts and Eggs online for free
* Breasts and Eggs novel pdf file format
* Download Breasts and Eggs epub by Mieko Kawakami
* Breasts and Eggs book review and summary pdf
* Mieko Kawakami Breasts and Eggs free pdf download
* Breasts and Eggs fiction book pdf online
* Read Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami free
* Breasts and Eggs pdf ebook download link
* Breasts and Eggs novel by Mieko Kawakami pdf
* Free pdf of Breasts and Eggs book by Mieko Kawakami
* Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami pdf download free
* Download pdf ebook of Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami
* Breasts and Eggs book pdf free online read
* Mieko Kawakami's Breasts and Eggs novel pdf download
* Breasts and Eggs ebook pdf free download by Mieko Kawakami
* Read online Breasts and Eggs book by Mieko Kawakami pdf
* Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami free ebook pdf
* Download Breasts and Eggs book by Mieko Kawakami in pdf format
* Breasts and Eggs novel free pdf by Mieko Kawakami
* Pdf download of Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami book
* Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami book pdf online free
* Free download of Breasts and Eggs ebook by Mieko Kawakami pdf
* Read Breasts and Eggs novel by Mieko Kawakami online pdf
* Pdf ebook of Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami free download
* Download free pdf of Breasts and Eggs novel by Mieko Kawakami
* Online read of Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami book pdf
* Pdf free download of Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami ebook
* Read online free Breasts and Eggs novel by Mieko Kawakami pdf
* Pdf of Breasts and Eggs novel by Mieko Kawakami free online
* Free online download of Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami book pdf
* Pdf ebook download of Breasts and Eggs novel by Mieko Kawakami free
* Online free read of Breasts and Eggs book by Mieko Kawakami pdf
* Pdf book download of Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami free online
* Read free online Breasts and Eggs ebook by Mieko Kawakami pdf
* Pdf novel download of Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami free online
* Online read free of Breasts and Eggs novel by Mieko Kawakami pdf
* Pdf ebook online of Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami free download
* Read online pdf of Breasts and Eggs novel by Mieko Kawakami free
Summary of the book
Book One: Breasts
Natsuko, Makiko, and Midoriko in Tokyo
The first part of the novel takes place over two days in Tokyo, where Natsuko lives in a small apartment. She works as a freelance writer for a magazine, but she dreams of writing a novel. She receives a visit from her sister Makiko and her niece Midoriko, who have come from Osaka. Makiko works as a hostess in a bar, where she entertains male customers with drinks and conversation. She is unhappy with her aging appearance and her low income. She has saved up money to undergo breast augmentation surgery in Tokyo. Midoriko is a smart and sensitive girl who loves reading and writing. She has stopped speaking to her mother and anyone else since she started menstruating. She communicates only through writing in her notebook.
Makiko's breast augmentation surgery
Makiko is obsessed with the idea of having bigger breasts. She believes that having larger breasts will make her more attractive, confident, and successful. She has researched various clinics and methods online, and she has decided to go for a saline implant surgery. She asks Natsuko to accompany her to the clinic and to take care of her after the operation. Natsuko is skeptical and worried about Makiko's decision, but she agrees to support her sister. She also tries to understand why Makiko is so dissatisfied with her body and her life.
Midoriko's silence and rebellion
Midoriko is going through a difficult phase of puberty. She is disgusted by her own body and by the idea of sex and reproduction. She feels alienated from her mother, who she thinks is shallow and selfish. She also resents her father, who left them when she was a baby. She writes in her notebook about her thoughts and feelings, as well as stories and poems. She also writes letters to Natsuko, whom she admires and trusts. Natsuko tries to communicate with Midoriko and to encourage her to express herself verbally. She also tries to bridge the gap between Midoriko and Makiko, who have a tense and silent relationship.
Book Two: Eggs
Natsuko's desire for motherhood
The second part of the novel takes place ten years later, when Natsuko is 40 years old. She has achieved her dream of becoming a novelist, and she has published a successful book based on her experiences with Makiko and Midoriko. However, she feels lonely and unfulfilled in her personal life. She has no romantic partner, no friends, and no family nearby. She decides that she wants to have a child of her own, even if she has to do it alone. She starts looking for ways to get pregnant without having sex or getting married.
Natsuko's encounters with sperm donors
Natsuko explores various options for obtaining sperm for artificial insemination. She visits a sperm bank, but she is disappointed by the limited selection and the high cost. She joins an online community of women who are looking for sperm donors or co-parents. She meets several men who offer their sperm for free or for a fee, but she finds them either creepy, rude, or unreliable. She also meets a couple who are willing to donate their leftover embryos from their IVF treatment, but she feels uncomfortable with the idea of carrying someone else's child.
Natsuko's reflections on life and writing
Natsuko questions her motives and ethics for wanting to have a child. She wonders if she is being selfish or irresponsible for bringing a child into the world without a father or a stable family. She also wonders if she is being influenced by the social pressure or the biological clock that expects women to become mothers by a certain age. She reflects on her own childhood, her relationship with her parents, her sister, and her niece, and how they have shaped her identity and values. She also reflects on her career as a writer, her creative process, her sources of inspiration, and her role as a storyteller in society.
Reviews of the book
Positive reviews
Praise from Haruki Murakami
One of the most prominent endorsements for Breasts and Eggs One of the most prominent endorsements for Breasts and Eggs came from Haruki Murakami, the internationally renowned author of Norwegian Wood, Kafka on the Shore, and 1Q84. Murakami praised Kawakami's novel as "a fresh new voice that comes from a completely different direction" and "a work of literary genius". He also wrote a foreword for the English translation of the book, in which he expressed his admiration for Kawakami's style, humor, and insight.
Recognition from literary awards and media outlets
Breasts and Eggs has also received recognition from various literary awards and media outlets, both in Japan and abroad. The book won the prestigious Akutagawa Prize in 2008 for the first part, and the Tanizaki Prize in 2019 for the second part. The book was also shortlisted for the International Booker Prize in 2020, and longlisted for the National Book Award for Translated Literature in 2020. The book was also named as one of the best books of 2020 by The New York Times, The Guardian, Time, NPR, and The Economist.
Appreciation from readers and critics
Breasts and Eggs has also received appreciation from readers and critics who have praised the book for its honesty, originality, and relevance. The book has been described as "a radical and intimate portrait of contemporary Japan" by The Guardian, "a feminist masterpiece" by Time, and "a stunningly honest exploration of female identity" by NPR. The book has also been applauded for its vivid characterization, sharp dialogue, and poetic language.
Negative reviews
Criticism from Shintaro Ishihara
Not everyone was impressed by Breasts and Eggs, however. One of the most vocal critics of the book was Shintaro Ishihara, a former governor of Tokyo and a controversial politician and novelist. Ishihara denounced the book as "unpleasant" and "disgusting", and accused Kawakami of being "a woman who doesn't know how to be feminine". He also claimed that the book was "a sign of Japan's decline" and that it did not deserve to win the Akutagawa Prize.
Complaints about translation and style
Some readers and critics also had complaints about the translation and style of the book. Some felt that the translation by Sam Bett and David Boyd did not capture the nuances and rhythms of Kawakami's original Japanese prose. Some also found the book to be too long, too slow, or too repetitive. Some also disliked the use of dialects, slang, or colloquialisms in the dialogue, which they felt were distracting or confusing.
Disagreement with themes and messages
Some readers and critics also disagreed with the themes and messages of the book. Some felt that the book was too pessimistic, depressing, or cynical about women's lives in Japan. Some also felt that the book was too radical, provocative, or controversial in its portrayal of topics such as breast augmentation, sperm donation, or sexual violence. Some also felt that the book was too narrow, biased, or unrealistic in its representation of working-class women, single mothers, or aspiring writers.
How to download the book for free
Legal ways to access the book online
Borrowing from libraries or friends
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to access Breasts and Eggs online is to borrow it from a library or a friend. Many libraries have digital collections that allow you to borrow e-books or audiobooks using your library card or an app. You can also ask your friends if they have a copy of the book that they can lend you or share with you online.
Using free trial offers or discounts from online platforms
Another way to access Breasts and Eggs online is to use free trial offers or discounts from online platforms that sell or stream e-books or audiobooks. For example, you can sign up for a free trial of Amazon Kindle Unlimited, Audible, Scribd, or Kobo Plus, which will give you access to thousands of titles for a limited time. You can also look for deals or coupons that will reduce the price of the book on platforms such as Google Play Books, Apple Books, or Barnes & Noble.
Reading excerpts or summaries Reading excerpts or summaries from websites or blogs
A third way to access Breasts and Eggs online is to read excerpts or summaries from websites or blogs that review or discuss the book. For example, you can read the first chapter of the book on the publisher's website, Europa Editions. You can also read a detailed summary and analysis of the book on LitCharts, a website that provides literature guides and study tools. You can also read various reviews and opinions of the book on blogs such as The Japan Times, The Asian Review of Books, or The Book Satchel.
Illegal ways to download the book as a PDF file
Searching for pirated copies on file-sharing sites or torrent networks
One of the most common and risky ways to download Breasts and Eggs as a PDF file is to search for pirated copies on file-sharing sites or torrent networks. These are websites or platforms that allow users to upload, download, or share files without authorization or payment. Some examples of these sites are Z-Library, Library Genesis, or The Pirate Bay. However, this method is illegal and unethical, as it violates the intellectual property rights of the author and the publisher. It also exposes you to potential malware, viruses, or scams that can harm your device or your personal information.
Using online converters or tools to create PDF files from other formats
Another way to download Breasts and Eggs as a PDF file is to use online converters or tools to create PDF files from other formats. These are websites or applications that allow you to convert e-books or audiobooks from formats such as EPUB, MOBI, AZW, or MP3 to PDF files. Some examples of these converters are Online-Convert, Zamzar, or Calibre. However, this method is also illegal and unethical, as it still involves obtaining unauthorized copies of the book from other sources. It also reduces the quality and readability of the book, as PDF files are not designed for e-books or audiobooks.
Scanning or photocopying physical copies of the book
A third way to download Breasts and Eggs as a PDF file is to scan or photocopy physical copies of the book. This involves using a scanner, a printer, or a photocopier to create digital or paper copies of the book from hardcover or paperback editions. However, this method is also illegal and unethical, as it infringes on the fair use policy that limits the amount and purpose of copying for personal use. It also wastes time, money, and resources, as it requires access to equipment and materials that are not readily available.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points of the article
In this article, we have given you an overview of Breasts and Eggs, a novel by Mieko Kawakami that explores contemporary womanhood, family, and identity in Japan. We have summarized what the book is about, who the author is, why the book is important, and how you can download it for free as a PDF file. We have also presented some of the positive and negative reviews of the book from various sources.
Recommendation for reading the book or not
We recommend reading Breasts and Eggs if you are interested in a novel that offers a fresh and honest perspective on women's lives in Japan. The book will make you think about topics such as beauty standards, reproductive rights, sexual violence, economic inequality, and loneliness. The book will also make you feel empathy and admiration for the three women who face different challenges and choices in their lives. The book will also make you appreciate the power of female friendship, solidarity, and creativity in the face of adversity.
Invitation for feedback or comments
We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful and engaging. If you have any feedback or comments about the article or the book, please feel free to share them with us in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you and learn from your opinions and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Breasts and Eggs?
You can buy Breasts and Eggs from various online platforms such as Amazon, Book Depository, IndieBound, or Barnes & Noble. You can also You can also buy Breasts and Eggs from local bookstores or libraries near you. You can use websites such as WorldCat or LibraryThing to find the nearest locations that have the book in stock.
Who is the translator of Breasts and Eggs?
The translator of Breasts and Eggs is a team of two translators: Sam Bett and David Boyd. They are both experienced and award-winning translators of Japanese literature. They have translated works by authors such as Hiromi Kawakami, Hiroko Oyamada, and Yoko Tawada. They have also collaborated on other projects, such as the anthology Monkey Business: New Writing from Japan.
Is Breasts and Eggs based on a true story?
Breasts and Eggs is not based on a true story, but it is inspired by the author's own experiences and observations. Mieko Kawakami has said that she drew from her own background as a working-class woman from Osaka, who moved to Tokyo to pursue her career as a writer. She has also said that she based some of the characters and situations on people she knew or met, such as her sister, her friends, or her customers at the bar where she used to work.
What is the genre of Breasts and Eggs?
Breasts and Eggs is a novel that belongs to the genre of contemporary fiction or literary fiction. It is a genre that focuses on the realistic and complex portrayal of characters, themes, and issues that are relevant to the present time and society. It is a genre that aims to provoke thought, emotion, and discussion among readers and critics. It is also a genre that experiments with style, form, and language to create unique and original works of art.
What are some other books similar to Breasts and Eggs?
If you liked Breasts and Eggs, you might also like some other books that deal with similar topics or themes, such as:
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata: A novel about a 36-year-old woman who works at a convenience store and struggles to fit in with society's expectations.
Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto: A novel about a young woman who finds comfort and healing in cooking and friendship after losing her grandmother.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang: A novel about a woman who decides to stop eating meat and faces the consequences of her choice on her body, mind, and family.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood: A novel about a dystopian society where women are oppressed and exploited for their reproductive functions.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath: A novel about a young woman who suffers from depression and attempts suicide while pursuing her career as a writer.
44f88ac181
Comments