The Factory

A modern tale of work and existential questioning

Hiroko Oyamada author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Granta Books

Published:10th Oct '24

Should be back in stock very soon

The Factory cover

This modern fable illustrates the absurdity of work life through the experiences of three factory employees as they confront existential questions.

In The Factory, the narrative unfolds in a stark, industrial setting where the lives of three employees are intricately woven into the fabric of their monotonous work environment. Each character is assigned a distinct role: one is responsible for shredding paper, another meticulously proofreads documents, and the last finds himself observing the moss that blankets the grounds. As they immerse themselves in their tasks, the boundaries between their professional duties and personal identities begin to blur, leading them to question the very essence of their existence within the factory's walls.

The story explores the themes of routine and existentialism, as the characters grapple with the peculiar nature of their surroundings. The factory looms large, seemingly isolating them from the outside world, and they become increasingly absorbed in their roles. The absurdity of their situation is underscored by moments of dark humor, reminiscent of literary greats like Kafka and Beckett, inviting readers to reflect on the absurdities of modern work life.

As time passes, the three workers find themselves confronting the disconcerting reality of their existence. The question of purpose arises: what are they truly doing in this factory? The Factory serves as a poignant modern fable, capturing the essence of the struggle against the meaninglessness that can pervade the workplace, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of self and society.

Strangely chilling * New York Times *
A stirring portrait of modern work-life culture * TIME Magazine *
[A] stellar, mind-bending debut * Publishers Weekly *

ISBN: 9781803510590

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

128 pages