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Description edit
With the publication of Kitchen, the dazzling English-language debut that is still her best-loved book, the literary world realized that Yoshimoto was a young writer of enduring talent whose work has quickly earned a place among the best of contemporary Japanese literature. Kitchen is an... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit
Characters/People edit
- Mikage: A skilled cook, Mikage takes on gender roles that are traditionally masculine instead of feminine. She goes to stay with Yuichi and his mom when her own parents die.
- Yuichi: Mikage's boyfriend, he is more feminine than his girlfriend.
- Eriko: Yuichi's mother, Eriko is transsexual. She takes in Mikage when Mikage's parents die.
First Sentence edit
The place I like best in this world is the kitchen.
Themes & Symbolism edit
- Sexual Identity: This book isn't afraid to play with gender roles- Mikage, while enjoying the traditionally female skill of cooking, uses it to get a job and supports herself by it (seen as a traditionally male role). Through this, she also becomes the breadwinner instead of her boyfriend, and instead of him wooing her, she is often the one wooing him. Her boyfriend, Yuichi, takes on more traditional female roles in not being the breadwinner, being more sensitive emotionally, and is wooed intead of doing the wooing.
Series & Lists edit
This book is in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. (authoritative list)
Authors & Contributors edit
- Banana Yoshimoto (Author)
First Edition edit
Original Language: English
Publisher: Grove Press
Country: USA
Publication Date: 1993
ISBN: 0802115160
Page Count: 152
Publisher: Grove Press
Country: USA
Publication Date: 1993
ISBN: 0802115160
Page Count: 152
Classification edit
- Library of Congress: Add the Library of Congress Classification.
- Dewey: 895.635
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