All the Lovers in the Night

by Mieko Kawakami
All the Lovers in the Night cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 1100
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781509898275
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2022-05-12
  • Formats: 42
  • Reviews: 4

All The Lovers In The Night follows Fuyuko Irie, a freelance proofreader in her thirties, as she navigates the isolating landscape of modern Tokyo. Living alone and struggling to form meaningful relationships, her life takes a turn when she meets Mitsutsuka, a man who awakens something new within her. Through their weekly meetings, Fuyuko begins to see the world differently, and long-buried memories resurface, forcing her to confront her past and the walls she has built around herself. This deeply moving novel by Mieko Kawakami explores themes of alienation, friendship, and self-discovery. Translated from the Japanese by Sam Bett and David Boyd, it is a poetic and shocking exploration of human connection and the strength required to break free from isolation. Praised for its insightful portrayal of contemporary life, this book is a testament to Kawakami's genius as a storyteller.

Reviews
Japan Society · 2025-10-15
great 4.75

The novel is not just a great Japanese novel about womanhood but simply a great novel overall. It transcends cultural boundaries with its universal themes.

This reviewer praises the novel as a great work of literature that transcends its cultural context. It is not just a great Japanese novel about womanhood but a universally compelling story. The reviewer appreciates the depth and breadth of the themes explored, which make it a standout piece of fiction. The novel's ability to resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds is highlighted, making it a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    This is not a great Japanese novel about womanhood, nor is it just a great Japanese novel. It is simply a great novel.

    The novel's ability to resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds is highlighted.

    It is a universally compelling story that transcends cultural boundaries.

Ashley HajimirSadeghi's Blog · Ashley HajimirSadeghi · 2025-06-21
good 3.50

The book is good and offers valuable insights into the protagonist's perspective. However, it may not be a favorite due to its pacing and depth.

Ashley HajimirSadeghi acknowledges that 'All the Lovers in the Night' is a good book, offering valuable insights into the protagonist's perspective. They note that while the novel has its merits, it may not be a favorite due to its pacing and depth. The reviewer appreciates the unique viewpoint of Fuyuko but feels that the book could have delved deeper into certain aspects. Overall, it is seen as a worthwhile read that provides a meaningful exploration of its themes.

Quick quotes

    I will say it is a good book. But does that mean I love it? Not really.

    I think it offers a lot of value in the perspective of Fuyuko.

    The novel starts out at an unhurried pace, deliberately so, as the early sections replicate the mundane nature of Fuyuko's daily existence.

The Skinny · 2025-04-10
poignant 4.00

The protagonist is achingly lonely, navigating a world that often lacks tolerance for her. The novel is a poignant exploration of isolation and self-discovery.

The Skinny's reviewer presents the protagonist as achingly lonely, highlighting how the world around her often lacks tolerance for her existence. This novel is seen as a poignant exploration of isolation and the journey towards self-discovery. The reviewer appreciates the raw and relatable aspects of the protagonist's struggle, making it a compelling read. The novel is praised for its emotional depth and the way it captures the complexities of human loneliness.

Quick quotes

    In All the Lovers in the Night, Mieko Kawakami presents an achingly lonely character at the centre of a world that has little tolerance for her.

    The parts that tackled about loneliness really struck my heart as it takes one to know one to be acquainted with being lonely when we're adults.

    All the Lovers in the Night unfurls as a delightfully raw and relatable journey of self-discovery – until the loner is no longer lonely, just simply on their own.

JacquiWine's Blog · JacquiWine · 2023-10-03
devastating 4.50

The novel is luminous and devastating, beautifully capturing the sensory experience of the protagonist's life. The writing is deft and evocative, making it a powerful read.

JacquiWine found the novel to be a deeply moving and beautifully written exploration of a young woman's life. They highlight the luminous and devastating aspects of the story, praising the way it conveys the sensory experiences of the protagonist's world. The writing is described as deft and evocative, making the novel a powerful and immersive read. JacquiWine appreciates the emotional depth and the way the novel captures the nuances of human experience.

Quick quotes

    This is a luminous, devastating, beautifully written novel, deftly conveying the piercing sensory experience of life in this young woman's world.

    The writing is subtle and wonderful, the connection between memory and light is so lovely.

    The novel is a powerful, moving story of a woman hitting rock-bottom and wondering whether it's worth trying to make her way to the surface.

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