Reviews

Masks by Fumiko Enchi

fictionalfrank's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ireneac's review against another edition

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

mirrorofneptune's review

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I enjoyed both the pacing and the mysterious, tense atmosphere of this book. There were themes of twisted relationships, revenge, the power of strong emotion, and a uniquely female take on all of the aforementioned subjects– I enjoyed how the plot came together. That being said some fucked-up shit goes down and the ending is disturbing. Regardless would still seek out more from this author.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Toxic relationship

Minor: Death, Rape, Infidelity, and Sexual content

raulbime's review against another edition

5.0

This is a strange little book, the second of Enchi’s books I’ve read–the first being [b:The Waiting Years|177404|The Waiting Years|Fumiko Enchi|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348939847l/177404._SX50_.jpg|535360] which was also remarkable. Mieko, a widowed wealthy woman, is the central character of this story. A poet, publisher and literary figure, she draws others to her because of the mystery and ambiguity that surrounds her and has a bizarre way of captivating and manipulating those she chooses to. The leitmotif of the story being power: that over self and others. Mieko, even during moments of personal tragedy, is always able to still turbulence that would throw anyone into despair and this apparent cool that always masks her true feelings both confounds those around her and brings her their admiration. From an evolutionary perspective this makes a lot of sense, where control, in the emotional sense of shielding oneself from vulnerability and reluctance to show weakness, is considered strength as well as that human, and animal (humans also being animal), need to follow those they feel to be strong. In this story, just as in most where human beings give themselves over to those deemed powerful, Mieko manipulates those around her towards whatever ends she wants, and in this case mostly her daughter-in-law, Yasuko, although aware of Mieko’s insidious influence, is still entrapped and used to entrap others, with Mieko knowing no boundaries, even her own disabled daughter, Harumé, being used.

With many references to Japanese folklore, nō plays and masks, and poetry and novels, including The Tales of Ise and The Tale of Genji (which looms throughout this book and is spoiled in ways, so caution to those who haven’t read it and don’t want anything from it divulged, although I personally don’t think much is spoiled or not enough to have angered me anyway), the writer explores power as expressed in ancient Japanese literature. It’s a disturbing little book in that it seems that the people here are either controlled or control others, and the most vulnerable being most exposed, and yet this is only a reflection of the way of the world since god-knows-when. It’s an incredible book, and a great achievement. I would like to thank Alex Teyie, who like this book’s protagonist, is a brilliant poet, publisher and literary figure (far more generous, kind and good than the book’s protagonist obviously) based in Nairobi, and their work with the Karara Library which is a radical platform for sharing books in Nairobi and other towns in Kenya through which this incredible book was made available to me.

eleonorazambelli's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.25

afennelly's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

mmeht's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This creepy little story is a dive into Japanese mythology and a curious set of events surrounding Yasuko and Mieko, a daughter in law and a mother in law.

It’s recommended  that you look into some Japanese mythology as you go along. There’s a bit of suspense which never gets resolved and an air of mystery filling the book.

It’s almost like being in a trance. 

thepaige_turner's review against another edition

2.0

It was...fine. An interesting take on the metaphors of The Tale of Genji, but ultimately since I had to overanalyze this for a class, it fell short of being enjoyable.

ali_x13's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Loveable characters? No

3.0

emarlett11's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0