Mild Vertigo

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Polly Barton, Mieko Kanai: Mild Vertigo (Paperback, 2023, Fitzcarraldo Editions)

Paperback

Published June 21, 2023 by Fitzcarraldo Editions.

ISBN:
978-1-80427-038-7
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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 …