Man is born free but is everywhere in Chains- Jean Jacques Rousseau
I think this quote is more applicable to women. The more the world progresses there are more scientific tools to enhance the beauty of women, but do we need them? Is it all about sartorial elegance as opposed to inner beauty? The fashion industry, parlours and cosmetic clinics thrive on it. Facial and breast augmentations, women going under the knife to attain Barbie-like figures, skin treatments and many more- all of which are ephemeral and come with side effects. Are we free to be the way we are or are we influenced by the people around us?
Mieko Kawakami brilliantly incorporates issues like breast augmentation and donor conception. There are stories within stories and stories about women, Ill-treating misogynist husbands, societal pressures, and ladies drawn towards artificial insemination. The story read like the inner battle of many women.
This book primarily is about the protagonist Natsuko, who is a writer. The book is divided into two parts. The first part deals with not only Natsuko but also Makiko (Natsuko’s elder sister) and her daughter Midoriko. Makiko is obsessed with breast augmentation and Midoriko being only twelve is horrified by the idea of getting her periods. Both are the topics that every woman constantly is irritated with although many do not talk about them much.
The second part of the book deals with the life of Natsuko, her small house, her work, her book, and her urge to be a mother. This is a wonderful book apt for any book club where the author has tackled many debatable issues which are not only worth pondering but also question the necessity or relevance of these issues.
I liked the protagonist as she comes across as a very strong, hard-working, determined, and independent person. She pursued her goal by assiduously working towards it, be it her book or her motherhood. In this world where there are people who still hush up their daughters when they talk about periods, I found this book very enlightening and liberating and I recommend this book to one and all, but ladies, it’s a must-read!