Kitchen | Banana Yoshimoto | Contemporary Fiction | Book Review

 


Name of Book : Kitchen
Author : Banana Yoshimoto
Publication Date : April 17, 2006
Publisher : Grove Press
No. of Pages : 160
Format : Paperback


With the publication of Kitchen, the dazzling English-language debut that is still her best-loved book, the literary world realized that Yoshimoto was a young writer of enduring talent whose work has quickly earned a place among the best of contemporary Japanese literature. Kitchen is an enchantingly original book that juxtaposes two tales about mothers, love, tragedy, and the power of the kitchen and home in the lives of a pair of free-spirited young women in contemporary Japan. Mikage, the heroine, is an orphan raised by her grandmother, who has passed away. Grieving, Mikage is taken in by her friend Yoichi and his mother (who is really his cross-dressing father) Eriko. As the three of them form an improvised family that soon weathers its own tragic losses, Yoshimoto spins a lovely, evocative tale with the kitchen and the comforts of home at its heart.

In a whimsical style that recalls the early Marguerite Duras, "Kitchen" and its companion story, "Moonlight Shadow," are elegant tales whose seeming simplicity is the ruse of a very special writer whose voice echoes in the mind and the soul.

Banana by Kitchen Yoshimoto is available on Amazon :


My Opinion

I have read Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto as a part of the #52booksin52weeks challenge. The book has been written very beautifully, capturing the emotions of the characters. A simple yet brilliant narration. The stories give you a vibe of sadness and hope. My favorite is the second story, which gives a strong message about life. Reading the book was a heartfelt encounter. But I felt that the stories needed completion. They ended abruptly, leaving the reader wanting more. 
 
After reading the book, I think that people should think more positively about life. Depression and loneliness change a human being, and they forget to live their lives. It was a short read, and I finished it within a day. Definitely, the book deserves 4 stars.


  • Characters ------------------ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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  • Intrigue -------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Logic ---------------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Enjoyment ---------------- ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

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