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Confusing,
Slow,
Beautiful

2 reviews

The Woman in the Dunes
by Kobo Abe

Published: 2011-12-14
Kindle Edition : 256 pages
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3 clubs reading this now
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Recommended to book clubs by 1 of 2 members
The Woman in the Dunes, by celebrated writer and thinker Kobo Abe, combines the essence of myth, suspense and the existential novel.
 
After missing the last bus home following a day trip to the seashore, an amateur entomologist is offered lodging for the night at the bottom of a vast ...
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Introduction

The Woman in the Dunes, by celebrated writer and thinker Kobo Abe, combines the essence of myth, suspense and the existential novel.
 
After missing the last bus home following a day trip to the seashore, an amateur entomologist is offered lodging for the night at the bottom of a vast sand pit. But when he attempts to leave the next morning, he quickly discovers that the locals have other plans. Held captive with seemingly no chance of escape, he is tasked with shoveling back the ever-advancing sand dunes that threaten to destroy the village. His only companion is an odd young woman. Together their fates become intertwined as they work side by side at this Sisyphean task.

Editorial Review

This beautiful novel by one of Japan's most important writers is also one of the most strangely terrifying and memorable books you'll ever read. The Woman in the Dunes is the story of an amateur entomologist who wanders alone into a remote seaside village in pursuit of a rare beetle he wants to add to his collection. But the townspeople take him prisoner. They lower him into the sand-pit home of a young widow, a pariah in the poor community, who the villagers have condemned to a life of shoveling back the ever-encroaching dunes that threaten to bury the town. An amazing book.

Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

How the senses of purpose and being of need can allow one to adapt to almost situation.
by [email protected] (see profile) 07/02/16

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Book Club Recommendations

Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by Kelly C. (see profile) 06/24/21

 
by javier f. (see profile) 07/02/16

A mesmerizing tale of how a man can adapt to a Hell like existence.

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