Court reviewed Diary of a Void by David Boyd
A single lie with so many layers
5 stars
Cutting and delightful--simultaneously sad and challenging
Paperback, 213 pages
English language
Published Sept. 20, 2022 by Penguin Publishing Group.
4 stars
(10 reviews)
When 34-year-old Ms Shibata gets a new job in Tokyo to escape sexual harassment at her old one, she finds that, as the only woman at her workplace, she is expected to do all the menial tasks. One day, she announces that she can't clear away her colleagues' dirty cups - because she's pregnant and the smell nauseates her. The only thing is - Ms Shibata isn't! Pregnant Ms Shibata doesn't have to serve coffee to anyone. Pregnant Ms Shibata isn't forced to work overtime. Pregnant Ms Shibata rests, watches TV, takes long baths, and even joins an aerobics class for expectant mothers. But pregnant Ms Shibata also has a nine-month ruse to keep up. Helped along by towel-stuffed shirts and a diary app on which she can log every stage of her 'pregnancy', she feels prepared to play the game for the long haul. Before long, though, the hoax …
When 34-year-old Ms Shibata gets a new job in Tokyo to escape sexual harassment at her old one, she finds that, as the only woman at her workplace, she is expected to do all the menial tasks. One day, she announces that she can't clear away her colleagues' dirty cups - because she's pregnant and the smell nauseates her. The only thing is - Ms Shibata isn't! Pregnant Ms Shibata doesn't have to serve coffee to anyone. Pregnant Ms Shibata isn't forced to work overtime. Pregnant Ms Shibata rests, watches TV, takes long baths, and even joins an aerobics class for expectant mothers. But pregnant Ms Shibata also has a nine-month ruse to keep up. Helped along by towel-stuffed shirts and a diary app on which she can log every stage of her 'pregnancy', she feels prepared to play the game for the long haul. Before long, though, the hoax becomes all-absorbing, and the boundary between her lie and her life begins to dissolve.
Erin reviewed Diary of a Void by David Boyd
Review of 'Diary of a Void' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
The definition of "it was okay." This book is saying things about being a woman in Japan in terms of gendered expectations at work and in motherhood. The extra labor women are supposed to take on with childcare and the lack of respect for that work.
I wish the book had gotten weirder or darker or something. It stayed pretty on the nose and so little happens. There were moments when I thought, "that was poignant," but a lot of the time it was just not that interesting. At least it was pretty short!
k1dokuu reviewed Diary of a Void by David Boyd
Review of 'Diary of a Void' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
At first, I thought this is going to be a fun, short while read with social commentary, regarding sexism, the role of women in a work environment and gender roles in relationships. But at some point the narrative...shifted. This book became a story about denial, loneliness, alienation and change. It gave the book a whole 'nother layer.
I enjoyed Emu Yagi's debut novel very much. The translation was good - it "flowed" well and there were some beautifully written passages.
