A review by fringedyke
Child of Fortune by Yūko Tsushima

dark reflective slow-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

3.75

The book explores the memories and inner world of a divorced mother in (presumably late 60s-early 70s?) Japanese society. It touches on themes of divorce, abortion, infidelity, mental illness, disability and female sexuality. Being very introspective and reflective, the text has some slow and rambling passages. It was also a frustrating read due to the character’s limitations - both real and imagined - and her repeated mistakes. But in that way, it seemed to me like Fleabag or The Bell Jar in that a somewhat unlikeable but self-aware female protagonist is railing against an oppressive family and society. It deserves its place as a modern classic.