Book Recs For Women In Translation Month

Breasts and Eggs- after reading this last august, I knew this book was special. Split into two parts, and following Natsu at two different points in her life, she reflects on both her womanhood and her familial relationships. The culture of motherhood and sisterhood is explored so complexly, plus it’s resistant of the traditional narrative if a nuclear family in our western world, instead focusing on solely the relationships among women. 4.5/5 stars

Nineteen Claws and a Blackbird- This collection of nineteen brutal, darkly funny short stories surprised me. Released this year from the same author as Tender is the Flesh, you can definitely expect similar themes of class, gender, and the way different people navigate thrilling and horrific situations. Some stories involve hauntings, others center heavily on death, but all of them disturb. If you’re looking for a spooky read, one that makes you think, definitely consider picking this one up. 4/5

The Vegetarian- If you’re looking for a truly strange and disturbed book, look no further than The Vegetarian. Following Yeong-hye after she makes the decision to no longer consume meat, something not commonly done in her Korean culture, the repercussions of such a decision are detrimental. I was enraptured, hooked, and deep in thought when reading, and I still think about it to this day. 5/5

Dogs of Summer- This lyrical debut novel set in a working-class neighborhood of the Canary Islands—a story about two girls coming of age in the early aughts and a friendship that simmers into erotic desire over the course of one hot summer. What separates this novel from other’s is the grit and the gore in an intense childhood friendship. If you’re looking for something like no other book about girlhood, please consider Dogs of Summer! 4.5/5

My Husband- This darkly funny novel builds on the premise of hits like Gone Girl and Fates and Furies--how well can you really know your spouse? It’s such a unique book about female desire and obsession, which is a topic I always love reading about. My Husband is incredibly readable, and so easy to binge. If you want a quick read, but one that is still deeply provacotive, this novel is perfect for you. 4/5

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