HTML tags allow Anglophone readers of Mieko Kanai’s captivating novel, Mild Vertigo, to immerse themselves in a world that leaves them wanting more. Born in Japan in 1947, Kanai’s impressive body of work, consisting of 30 novels and story collections, has only been partially translated into English. However, her novel Mild Vertigo, expertly translated by Polly Barton, is sure to generate high demand for the rest.
Set in middle-class Tokyo, Mild Vertigo explores universal themes while tackling the day-to-day concerns of consumerism and housework. Kanai’s protagonist, Natsumi, a stay-at-home mom, is consumed by her new apartment and the future needs of her growing children. Kanai’s prose, filled with rich descriptions and detailed observations, mesmerizes readers, taking them on a stream-of-consciousness journey that reflects Natsumi’s overwhelming domestic routine.
While Mild Vertigo can be seen as a feminist novel, it goes beyond a simple awakening. Natsumi is aware that her obsession with cleanliness and decor is influenced by consumerism. She feels inadequate in her own kitchen, unable to make meals that will disrupt its pristine appearance. Keeping up appearances takes precedence over everything else in Natsumi’s life, and this is reflected in the novel’s emphasis on visual detail.
Natsumi’s monotonous daily tasks and dissatisfaction can be disorienting, but Mild Vertigo does not descend into true body horror. Kanai finds a unique beauty in the mundane aspects of domesticity, turning housekeeping into an art form. Natsumi’s ability to find moments of awe in everyday situations demonstrates her open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity.
As the novel progresses, readers adopt Natsumi’s perspective, becoming as porous as she is. Kanai seamlessly blends a review of a photography exhibition into the narrative, highlighting the shared quality of Natsumi’s gaze with the photographer’s. Kate Zambreno, in her afterword, further immerses herself in Natsumi’s perspective, offering an admiring imitation of Kanai’s novel and highlighting the invasive nature of the reading experience.
Mild Vertigo delves into the paradoxical nature of women’s experiences with home and marriage. While many women may feel confined and restricted, they also find love and fulfillment in these roles. The tension between restriction and enjoyment is complex and context-dependent, and this novel brings it to light. Kanai’s attention to detail and moments of beauty honor the complexity of domesticity.
In conclusion, Mild Vertigo is a thought-provoking and immersive novel that entices readers into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Anglophone readers will be left eagerly anticipating more translated works from Mieko Kanai.
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