All The Lovers In The Night
A story of loneliness, connection, and self-discovery
Mieko Kawakami author David Boyd translator Sam Bett translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pan Macmillan
Published:11th May '23
Should be back in stock very soon
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback - Signed Bookplate Edition£9.99(9781509898299-SB)
Fuyuko Irie, a lonely proofreader in Tokyo, embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery in All the Lovers in the Night.
In All the Lovers in the Night, Mieko Kawakami presents a poignant exploration of loneliness and connection set against the vibrant backdrop of contemporary Tokyo. The protagonist, Fuyuko Irie, is a freelance proofreader in her thirties who grapples with feelings of isolation in a bustling city. Her life is largely solitary, with her only meaningful interactions occurring with her colleague, Hijiri. However, everything changes when she meets Mitsutsuka, a man whose presence begins to stir emotions and memories long buried within her.
As Fuyuko navigates her weekly meetings with Mitsutsuka, she starts to confront the painful remnants of her past and the self-imposed boundaries that have kept her isolated. Through their conversations, she begins to re-evaluate her perception of the world and her place within it. The story beautifully captures her journey of self-discovery and the complexities of human relationships, highlighting the struggle between the desire for connection and the fear of vulnerability.
Mieko Kawakami’s All the Lovers in the Night is not just a tale of love; it is a profound commentary on the nature of existence in a modern, urban landscape. With poetic prose and deeply relatable themes, the novel invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of alienation and the transformative power of connection. Kawakami’s skillful storytelling and rich character development make this an unforgettable read.
If a book can keep me enraptured for the whole journey I count that as pretty unputdownable. . . a brief, compelling study of alientation and friendship; I binge-read it in one sitting. -- Rebecca F Kuang, bestselling author of Babel
Kawakami’s novel is uncompromisingly candid in its appraisal of the harm women inflict on one another, while never losing sight of the overarching structures that lead them to do so in the first place. Compact and supple, it’s a strikingly intelligent feat. * The New York Times Book Review *
Her most accomplished novel yet . . . A contemporary Japanese master continues her meteoric rise into our literary firmament -- Hamilton Cain * Oprah Daily (A Most Anticipated Book of 2022) *
[An] engrossing, fine-boned new novel, deftly translated from Japanese by Sam Bett and David Boyd . . . with this consummate novel, Kawakami’s star continues to rise, pulsing against a night that’s anything but holy -- Hamilton Cain * The Washington Post *
Kawakami — the author of titles such as Breasts and Eggs and Heaven — has crafted another atmospheric, subtly beautiful novel. * TIME Magazine (A Most Anticipated Book of May 2022) *
Kawakami has an effortless way of turning the mundanity of Fuyoko's day-to-day into detailed occasions that I want to know more about . . . Though the everyday is more interesting than you'd think, this is a book that's really about Fuyoko discovering happiness * Stylist *
In contrast to the many suffocating (western) conventions of romantic storytelling, it is refreshing to encounter a book of such irresistible sweet melancholy. * The Irish Times *
Kawakami has created a rich and notable examination of the varied ways women choose to live their lives and the gains and losses that come with the choices they've made. Kawakami writes with the tender and incisive sensibilities of a poet . . . An unforgettable and masterful work. * Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) *
Candid and searing, Kawakami's latest is another brilliantly rendered portal into young women’s lives. * Booklist (Starred Review) *
The author dazzles with her exploration of emotions . . . An invigorating and empowering portrait. It’s a winner. * Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) *
Out of all the narratives that I’ve read that explore loneliness, anxiety and depression, All the Lovers in the Night is possibly the most accurate . . . The book made me feel less isolated in the struggle and after reading it, I made strides to find balance and joy. * Metro *
Kawakami’s novel is a sensitive analysis of loneliness and self-discovery. * Observer *
ISBN: 9781509898299
Dimensions: 196mm x 130mm x 15mm
Weight: 156g
224 pages