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Kate Zambreno, Polly Barton, Mieko Kanai: Mild Vertigo (2023, Norton & Company Limited, W. W., New Directions)

192 pages

English language

Published May 1, 2023 by Norton & Company Limited, W. W., New Directions.

ISBN:
978-0-8112-3228-9
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4 stars (1 review)

3 editions

Review of 'Mild Vertigo' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Natsumi's life revolves around her family and the mundane tasks that accompany her role as a housewife. From preparing meals to tending to her husband and children, every action becomes a symbol of the monotonous and isolated life she leads.

Originally written in 1997 by Mieko Kanai and recently translated into English by Polly Barton, Mild Vertigo delves into the depths of isolation, the challenges of a monotonous life, and the intricacies of family relationships.

By painting a vivid picture of Natsumi's repetitive daily routine, Mieko Kanai masterfully captures the essence of monotony and the suffocating feeling of being trapped in a never-ending cycle.  The unconscious mental narrative style allows the reader to dive into the depths of Natsumi's mind, experiencing her internal monologue and feeling the weight of each monotonous act in real time. Her musings, fears, and desires reflect the mundane nature of her daily life and provide …