The Woman in the Dunes

By: Kobo Abe

Narrated by: Julian Cihi

Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

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 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.

©1964 Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Devious, addictive.... Never less than compulsive.... Abe is an accomplished stylist.” (David Mitchell)

“Abe follows with meticulous precision his hero's constantly shifting physical, emotional and psychological states.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“As is true of Poe and Kafka...Abe creates on the page an unexpected impulsion. One continues reading, on and on.” (The New Yorker)

I really wanted to like it

I have probably been corrupted by tik tok and instagram but despite my efforts to keep an open mind I found this novel to be dreadfully boring and repetitive. It was asphyxiating by boredom not so much by the story. In addition at times it felt as if the translation was wrong, using words and expressions that were not of literary levels. I hated the performance, sounded very fake. :(

If Kafka was Japanese

Parallels a lot of themes Kafka tackles in the general sense of story and structure - I.E. reflective characters, ideological commentary, etc.

I enjoyed it.

Woman in the Dunes- Review

interesting progression of plot

well read. Good character development. realistic yet surprising ending
good book.

I surprisingly felt better about life after reading this book.

I like how this parable made me think about my own life. I’m a retired person whose husband left me after 38 years of marriage. By time I get the sand shoveled each day with the things that responsible adults should do, I often feel like the man. And not to be depressed. It actually made me realize I am not alone in my thoughts. Perhaps our daily grind is a human condition. I also like how he ounces his ideas off of his knowledge about insects.

pretty good!

i thought it was a really good story! there were parts that lost me, but over all it was good, not too complicated, not too stale! good story!

Not science fiction as we know it in the West

The usage of scientific terminology to present metaphores for the individual's role in society was very interesting.

too much self analysis/reflection

I was forced to read this book read this book for class. I didn't enjoy it. Perhaps you might if you like a lot of self reflection. The narrator did a great job!

A metaphore for those trapped

Through its use of metaphor and captivating storytelling, "Woman in the Dunes" brilliantly captures the struggles of being trapped in life's repetitive cycle. It serves as a powerful reminder to break free from these shackles and live life on our terms. After all, no one wants to end up like the entomologist, endlessly shoveling sand for eternity.

Keep 'em coming!

Kobo Abe is my favorite author. I hope his other books (English translations) will be made available in audiobook format soon! Really enjoyed this performance.

Wonder

A wonderful journey such a bitter sweet filled with fullest sense of acquired love.