All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami BOOK REVIEW

[@tienvo4065]

The light motif is interesting to me as a physics student. In fact it was the thing that drew me into this book in the first few pages. At the phd level, we learn a lot about how light is generated and absorbed and how they disperse and diffract through different media. But the discussion of light between Fuyuko and Mitsusuka is incredibly fresh to me, when you consider the social elements, particularly solitude, in the book. Light goes everywhere, given the fact we can see almost everything around us on Earth. It's almost an analogy for the connection between an individual and their immediate community. Most people are well-connected. This is observed by Fuyuko in the train station scene. Everyone's got somewhere to be, someone to wait for, something to do, just like light on Earth. But for some lonely people out there, the connection is as faint as a single beam of light traveling through the vacuum of space, void of anyone's acknowledgement. It's tiring, it's lonely and depressing, and I don't think Fuyuko ever put these to words, but her immediate wonder about light from her room traveling into the vastness of space out there is indicative of her loneliness. In reality what's gonna happen is most of the light gets absorbed by the atmosphere and the energy is confined to Earth, but there will always be some that disperse through the atmosphere and into space. Some lonely people desperate for a connection with everyone around them will never see their attempt fruitful, as that light will probably never be seen by anyone (probably with the exception of astronauts).

[@WillowTalksBooks]

What a gorgeous examination and interpretation, thank you!

[@soulseek80nic20]

I find that the description or conversation of the light sound somewhat trite. And trying too hard or obvious to sound profound.

[@sage2181]

I didn't see the main character as on the spectrum. I think Kawakami creates what it's like to live with severe crippling anxiety in such a real way. Everything from how alcohol blurs her intense fear of having to speak to strangers while registering for classes to speaking to this stranger. Kawakami also really gets deep into the psyche of what it's like as a women to start aging. As an aging women, there were passages that just kicked me in the chest with a boot, things we hide or push down. She always seems to bring that right to the surface with a laser sharp sentence.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

This is such an insightful take! You’ve taught me so much and done a better job of reading this book than I did lol thank you!

[@sage2181]

@@WillowTalksBooks No way! I appreciate the compliment but it isn't deserving. I think this novel is deceptively simple when it's actually quite complex, and I think it has more to unpack than I first realized. As always, so appreciative and grateful for your reviews and thoughts.

[@juliea4857]

I think this is a book that can carry many interpretations...Besides the themes you mentioned, I think, it's a book about abuse and its lifelong impacts. It's also a book about proofreading/editing - a key image, I believe. "Proofreading" your life, finding mistakes, living in fear of mistakes... Passion and lack of passion. Sexual desire and absolute sexlessness. And like some other Japanese books I've read, it's about profound loneliness. Lack of communication and connection. Even the title resonates with many different, and conflicting, images. I liked it. And now I have to re-read it!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

This was all so beautifully expressed, thank you!

[@jackseney7906]

First Murata. Then Yoshimoto. And now Kawakami. You have developed a pattern of introducing unique Japanese female authors whom I find irresistible. Oh and let's include Missouri Williams too. Thanks very much 👍

[@WillowTalksBooks]

That’s my whole plan! Glad it’s working :)

[@jemimahorne7469]

Just finished reading this one! I’m not sure what to make of it. I’m a huge Kawakami fan so I was really excited for this release, but I feel like I may have missed some of the points. I agree that the thematic relevance of light felt unclear, that beautiful passage at the start made it seem like light would be a key aspect Fuyuko, but it wasn’t, really. I was interested in your interpretation of Hijiri as the archetypal ‘Girlboss’ Feminist. The way I interpreted her was a little different. The way I saw her, she paralleled Fuyuko, in the sense that she too was trying to figure life and womanhood out. Especially in one of their last conversations when Hijiri is being unnecessarily mean to Fuyuko, it seemed that she couldn’t read the obvious signals that Fuyuko had been crying. She is too outspoken and annoys people, and gets dragged along to do things she doesn’t want to do, which continues the theme of performative normalcy in this novel. I found Fuyuko’s adoption of Hijiri’s clothes especially interesting and wonder at the significance of them - perhaps it was symbolic of Fuyuko becoming more ‘normal’? I would love to hear your thoughts on this. What never ceases to entertain me in Kawakami’s writing is her ability to write from so many perspectives so convincingly. I especially enjoyed the passage about Noriko and her marriage, I could feel the pain and resentment radiating off the page. Thanks for another great review! Big fan of your channel

[@dalia2122]

I think that the light and the colours are a metaphor for social norms and social roles in general. Do we absorb them? Are they reflected on us?

[@elmooko69]

I think I will purchase any Kawakami book sight unseen for the rest of my life. Her topics & writing aren't always "fun" ("Heaven") but she captures human emotion & experience in such an incredible & efficient manner (kudos to her translators too!) that I am compelled to read her stuff!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@5hif7yx86]

thank you for introducing me to Mieko Kawakami. I just finished reading all the Lovers in the night and i think this is actually my favorite of hers so far.

[@remukinatarajan5007]

Listening to you talk about Meiko Kawakami is a delight in itself 🤌🏼. Thank you for making me enjoy Kawakami even more,Willow. Have a satisfactory day❤️

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thanks so much! Given how tough this one was to review, I doubly appreciate that!

[@zkins]

Your reviews are very powerful and full of passion. I’m intrigued even by the slow boring start you mentioned. Sounds fascinating. Thank you.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thanks so much! I do my best to show my passion for the books I love :)

[@poppy-lb2em]

i saved this until after my GCSEs and im glad i did so i could focus on it. i thought the lights represented hope that fuyuko could improve from how she was in the beginning and feel less isolated, and she did as by the end she was more confident and spoke up more. i loved this book sm, and this review was great💖💖

[@silveraoi8776]

Hello! Good video 😀 I see the whole "light" pattern as a metaphor for hope. As you mentioned, it's really hard to grasp what this is all about, but I want to see the light as an explanation for hope and intersection with human being's lives (as light itself appears, to then disappear in space etc. - just like memories). Overall this is a very inspiring novel 👍

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I think you may be right. At least, I love that interpretation. Looking back, this wasn’t my best review but I’ve loved the comments people have left!

[@Scarfknitter]

Sayaka Murata and Mieko Kawakami are also my favourite contemporary Japanese writers! Love this video

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Yessss welcome to the good taste club! 💜

[@dhanya7613]

what a blissful day...Willow uploaded a video😍💃🏻

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Omg 😭 I hope to upload a lot more from now on!

[@dhanya7613]

@@WillowTalksBooks yessss😍

[@kiczcock]

Ordered a copy. I love Mieko and live for lonely woman books!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Absolutely, same same same!

[@kathy2539]

I just want to say that I really enjoyed your review of this and your review encourages me to add this on e to my tbr list. Your language is nice and clear and you are easy to listen to and understand, which makes listening to this video a joy. Thank you.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

That’s such a wonderful compliment, thanks for taking the time to tell me that :) 💜

[@hazelsun8493]

I just got a copy of this book two days ago. Absolutely loved your video and your thoughts on this one so I might need to switch up my TBR and read it next. Perhaps some of the questions you’re asking are exactly what Mieko Kawakami wants us to do when she goes on writing about a character and not much of interest happens. Why is she like that. I do think the flash back to a traumatic event in the past might be a clue. PTSD from abuse - sexual, emotional - has that effect - getting lost in a routine if you’re lucky or in a vice (drugs, alcohol, another abusive relationship) if you’re not. Same with the lack of hobbies, or need for them, etc. etc. so that might be the case. But just the fact that we are asking and trying to figure it out is a credit to this author’s great talent imo.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I think you’ve really hit on something here. All very good points!

[@melindajones5707]

Last year I bought Breasts and Eggs based off your review but sadly still haven’t read it. Possibly intimidated by the size of it. Now I’m totally intrigued by this book, as I loved Convenience Store Woman and just books about women who don’t fit into society in general. Adding this one to my TBR. Perhaps I’ll read this one first and work my way up to Breasts and Eggs :) Thanks for another great recommendation, Willow!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I totally understand that. One cool thing about Breasts and Eggs is that it’s two books in one. You can read the “original” and go back for the “sequel” whenever you like!

[@hardikksharmaaa]

She's really taking us on a rollercoaster, first Breasts and Eggs, then Heaven, and now this

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Oh yeah, she keeps us on our toes!

[@Wats06071]

Please check out Ms Ice Sandwich as well. Such a lovely book.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

@@Wats06071 It was the first one I read and I loved every page.

[@taroluvrs]

I really enjoy your book reviews, I got my copy of ‘all the lovers in the night’ on Saturday. And I’m resisting the urge to read it until my GCSE’s are over lol

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Warms my heart that someone your age is reading such great and diverse books!

[@schattenlied]

I'm very new to your channel but I'm working my way slowly through all your videos. And let me tell you, my tbr list is growing with every video. ^^ I picked up Tell Me I'm Worthless and oh boy I wasn't prepared of the impact it had on me. It's raw and heavy and honest and real. My partner grew up in England and only came out as trans when they moved to Germany to live with me. They simply didn't feel save doing it while still living in England. I think I can understand them a bit better now thanks to this book. So thank you for doing these videos and sharing your love of books with us.

[@srideepta]

One thing about your reviews : it'll make me read the book instantly! Loved the review as always. I read Heaven because of you and enjoyed it heavily. Hope you have a nice day/night ahead 💜

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thank you so much! I’m glad I didn’t steer you wrong!

[@river3516]

You make me want to read every book you review! Can't wait to read this one and see what I think about the autistic coded MC. You mentioned that she has no interests and "knows nothing about anything" and that's not an autistic thing at all. :) We tend to be very passionate about certain topics, we call them special interests. Anyway, it's always a delight to listen to you

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thanks so much! I was a little nervous about discussing my autistic reading of the protag for fear of offending anyone. What I really meant was that she displays the social tendencies of someone on the autism spectrum. As someone with ADHD, and as a former teacher who was trained to spot autistic traits in order to best support my students, I saw a few aspects of autism in the protag that I thought were worth bringing up. And as I said, as the book progresses the autistic “coding” starts to fade so I’m not that confident in my reading :)

[@Nixx0912]

So it's not only me 😄 I bought quite a lot of Willow's recommendations.

[@halekray]

another great review! i started following you after your breasts and eggs review bc im a big kawakami fan and i love your channel! i feel so seen that you mentioned viewing the MC as autistic-coded because that is also how i viewed her while reading and was curious if this was an intended choice. if anything i feel as though it is pretty supported in the text to consider her at least neurodiverse in some way. as someone who is also neurodivergent, her behaviors revolving around socializing felt very relatable, such as the self-medicating w/ alcohol in order to make interacting/performing/opening up less tricky and more bearable

[@marinellamaccagni6951]

a new book by mieko kawakami? i'm rushing to buy it immediately!!!!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

That’s the spirit!!

[@BlissSkittles]

Great review looking forward to getting to this one

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thanks! I hope you love it :)

[@carolyninaddis]

Excellent commentary. Enjoyed it so much!!

[@ipshitajee]

Same here, I would also like to know someone's take on light as a motif in the novel

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Yeah that went right over my head

[@analicollari2108]

Purchasing because of you! Excellent review

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thank you so much! I hope it doesn’t disappoint!

[@Wats06071]

Can I add my name to that first sentence? Mieko Kawakami description of how the lady at Sandwich counter picks the Sandwich and place it in the bag through the eyes of a young boy was an absolute joy to read (Ms Ice Sandwich) When I saw the thumbnail earlier today, I immediately bought the book. I am also looking forward to July when Sayaka Murata new book will come out, and looking for your review of it.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I have such a vivid memory of reading Ms Ice Sandwich a few summers back. A truly wonderful little story 💜

[@user-yg6ft1iu1i]

Thank you. Looking forward to reading it

[@WillowTalksBooks]

You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy it

[@WillowTalksBooks]

You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy it

[@chrisrichards7063]

i've been slack on keeping up with new B&B vid releases for a bit cos life got really busy and also cos they keep making me buy books and that's not super affordable, but... er, here i am and now i'm probably going to go buy this book

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I’ve heard about your busy life, Chris, and you get a *massive* congratulations from me!

[@chrisrichards7063]

@@WillowTalksBooks thaaaaaaaaanks :D

[@Rainierbooks]

It is especially a discussion about women's role in Japanese society. I had the same thoughts about Fujiko being on the autistic spectrum, but then it sort of doesn't really fit anymore. It is also the development from a proofreader without much content to a novelist since that expression suddenly appears on a white sheet of paper which maybe fulfills her transformation? I dunno. It is very complex.I love Kawakami, she's challenging us and she can do that easily in her short novels that are so full of discussable (that can't be a word...) content.

[@rottenmalice]

I am tired but i must watch their video 🧐

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Haha I very much appreciate that!

[@mustaqim8333]

thank you for the review :) where can i get that particular cover of the book? its so prettyy

[@WillowTalksBooks]

This is the UK edition, published by Picador. Best place to order it is Blackwell’s :)

[@zoe8649]

@@WillowTalksBooks Hi Willow, I could be mistaken but is your cover possibly just for the proof copy? It’s similar but not quite the same as the uk edition that’s for sale, which has the same picture but with a purple strip at the top where the title is and a purple spine instead of pink. Both are beautiful covers!

[@mustaqim8333]

@@zoe8649 yessss i desperately needed the pink as it is just gorge! that said ive just ordered one from blackwells with the similar cover :)

[@TheFierceMonkey505]

Nice review. I'm still not finished with Breasts and Eggs, it's a long and slow read. But I love it. Can't wait for this one!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Yeah it’s a slow but beautiful burn

[@SPDcru]

I disagree with your interpretation of Hijiri. I see her as the opposite of Fuyuko but in a way that compliments and empathizes with her. They are like two opposite sides of the same coin, both seeming to struggle with forming deeper connections

[@selvamthiagarajan8152]

What is the meaning of the books title? What has it got to do with what is in the book?

[@Millenialmumlearns]

I Love your book recommendations. I’d love to have friends like you 💛

[@WillowTalksBooks]

You are so sweet! Let’s be friends :)

[@shubiektywnie]

Have you ever thought about doing a video on the most important books of your life? If there is such a list.

[@jM-ms8lh]

Just started this - thanks for turning me onto Kawakami. Really enjoyed Heaven, even though it was so heartbreaking. Adding Breasts & Eggs to my list :)

[@miyayume_eclectic_dream]

I wondered the same thing. I read the other one. Not this one. Still don't know...for sure.

[@letsfindabetteryou5971]

Did you just compare this to Sayaka Murata's work ? Well I am starting it tonight. Wise me luck.

[@somename8616]

Do you have any recommendations for books with autistic/ autistically-coded characters? I am autistic, and I've been looking for books with neurodiverse representation but I couldn't find many. (I already read Convenience Store Woman, and I thought it was great.)

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I actually don’t but I’d also love to read more! When I have, I’ll put together an article :)

[@somename8616]

@@WillowTalksBooks thank you :)

[@Nixx0912]

"An unkindness of ghosts" by Rivers Salomon, but it's quite depressing setting as it's basicly about slavery and racism in space, also trigger warning for sexual assaults and abuse. I liked it but it's not enjoyable read.

[@Nixx0912]

I also have a comic about a character with Asperger based on authors experiences with her brother, but I don't think it got translated from French.

[@somename8616]

@@Nixx0912 Oh cool- thank you. I will check it out. Also, what's the comic? I speak French :)

[@johnd3124]

I don't agree with your view that Fuyuko is trying to find her place in Japanese society and how she should perform in it. In fact, she just does whatever she feels she wants to. It's one of the things I admire about her character. She just follows her heart..... whether it's with the man she falls in love with... or the freelance position she takes. She has a veryy big heart and is very strong.

[@НастасьяЦ]

My Voicely friened rec me this books. Hope it's good.

[@miyayume_eclectic_dream]

You make the book sound interessting. But also I am like I would like to read just parts of the book. O wowww yes it is proven that women can and will be a bitch to the other woman...like a woman telling me "you can't that...I know the rules" than she needs to talk to the chef and sudenly I can do that. 😑😮‍💨

[@soulseek80nic20]

I wanted to shake the character out of her stupor, and like Hijiri and her rapist said (they both uttered the same thing, interestingly). “Being near you pissed me off.” I felt the same way about the character.

[@soulseek80nic20]

And I actually find the beginning is interesting before it tapered off into boring and droned out proses.