Mobyskine's Reviews > Diary of a Void

So it started on the day when the section head muttered that the cups in the meeting room needed to be washed. Having deadline to meet and can't understand why she always had to do all the menial tasks in the department and deal with the messes they'd made, Shibata decided for a little experiment.

"I can't do it. I'm pregnant. The smell of coffee, it triggers my morning sickness.The cigarettes too..." And that's how Shibata became pregnant with Week 5 and counting.

Told in an epistolary format; a diary entry accordingly to her pregnancy week (as the Japanese title for this book echoes the Boshi techō; a maternal and child health handbook that enable mothers to document the chronicle of their pregnancies in Japan), it was so descriptively narrated, quite cunning yet so surreal and provocative. I like the combination of themes as it was not only revolves on the workplace discrimination, gender prejudice and womanhood in the patriarchal society but also tackles the issue in pregnancy (the hurdle to conceive and postpartum depression) and self existence.

Well structured with great 'imaginary' development and it amazes me on how Shibata really went all out in faking her pregnancy-- from planning her diet, getting maternity badge for subway to joining mommies aerobics and finding a good name for the baby. Love that throughout her journey she learns so much about her co-workers, meeting new friends, understanding behaviours and most of all; to stop misjudging.

The blurry line in between truth and lies quite captivating-- the absurdity gets too thrilled and tensed that at a point I wonder if it was true(?) esp when Week 32 ended with 'the baby's been kicking so much more lately' that she decided for a check-up later. Higashinakano's story was such a twist and Hosono too-- both were distressing yet so thoroughly explored.

Love how Shibata overcame the situation at the end with such a great aftermath to end her diary. Riveting and bold, a recommendation if you're searching for a social commentary premise but want it to be a light and joyful read. 4.3 stars to this!

Thank you Pansing Distribution for sending me a proof copy for review!