“Breasts and Eggs”: Japanese Bestselling Book About the Reality of Being a Woman

It isn’t just for women, though

I am a big fan of Japanese contemporary fiction and always find myself returning to this genre. “Breasts and Eggs” was a big sensation a few years ago, and despite all the hype, it didn’t disappoint:

The story is essentially about three women: Natsuko (the narrator), her older sister Makiko, and Makiko’s daughter, Midoriko.

The sisters come from a very poor background. Makiko works as a hostess in a bar. She didn’t manage to save enough money, so she continues to work there well into her fifties.

Her daughter, Midoriko, feels uncomfortable with her mother’s lifestyle and is ashamed of their poverty. She attempts to find a job while still in school.

Natsuko, the main character, moves to Tokyo from their hometown of Osaka as an aspiring author and eventually succeeds in getting her book published. This allows her to make a living from her writing.

“Breasts and eggs” explores themes such as the meaning of life and the struggle to fit in— topics that, in my experience, seem to be leitmotifs of a lot of contemporary Japanese literature.

The book is about life in poverty and its effects on one’s morale.

It is also about the ethical questions surrounding artificial insemination, with countless mentions of breasts, eggs, periods, and pregnancies.

Altogether, it is an absorbing and charming story. Some parts are quite “raw”, and the characters feel incredibly real — you feel like you could be in the room with them.

It’s a book about women, but definitely not just for women.

Beer of the day is this AMAZING seasonal Herbstfestbier brewed by Turmbräu in the Black Forest, Germany 🇩🇪🍻

This fall beer had hints of cinammon and a buttery, almost cookie-like, flavor. It’s one of the most delicious drinks I’ve had.