The Hole

by Hiroko Oyamada
The Hole cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Literary Fiction
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Format • £8.54–£12.34
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3421
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781803510613
  • Publisher: Granta Books
  • Published: 2024-03-07
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

After relocating to the countryside with her husband, Asa struggles to adjust to her new life, especially with her in-laws living next door. The oppressive summer heat and the constant buzz of cicadas only add to her sense of isolation. One day, while running an errand, she encounters a strange creature that leads her to a peculiar hole by the river. Falling into this hole marks the beginning of a series of bizarre experiences that force Asa to confront the mysteries of her new environment and the enigmatic family she has married into. As she delves deeper, she begins to question her place in the world and even her own identity. The novel explores themes of isolation, identity, and the uncanny, blending psychological depth with a surreal narrative.

Reviews
Amazon · Amazon Customer · 2025-10-18
weird 4.25

The book is described as weird and lovely, focusing on the passage of time and losing one's sense of reality. The reviewer appreciates its unique and thought-provoking nature.

An Amazon reviewer describes 'The Hole' as a weird and lovely read that explores the passage of time and the loss of one's sense of reality. The book's unique and thought-provoking nature is particularly highlighted, as it challenges the reader to question their own perceptions and understanding of the world. The reviewer also appreciates the book's ability to evoke a sense of unease and wonder, making it a memorable and engaging read. Overall, the review emphasizes the book's originality and its ability to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Quick quotes

    WEIRD AND LOVELY! This a great little read about the passage of time, losing your sense of reality, and asking questions (and getting no real answers) about ...

    The book's unique and thought-provoking nature is particularly highlighted, as it challenges the reader to question their own perceptions and understanding of the world.

    Oyamada's writing evokes a sense of unease and wonder, making it a memorable and engaging read.

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2021-08-29
intriguing 4.00

The book is described as an intriguing work that is a definite one-sitting read. It combines elements of a traditional Japanese tale with a modern twist.

Tony found 'The Hole' to be a captivating read that he couldn't put down. He appreciates how the book blends traditional Japanese storytelling with contemporary themes, making it a unique and engaging experience. The narrative's ability to draw the reader in and maintain suspense is particularly noteworthy. Tony also highlights the book's exploration of themes like boredom and existential dread, which are portrayed in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.

Quick quotes

    The Hole is an intriguing work, and a definite one-sitting read.

    It combines elements of a traditional Japanese tale of a bored housewife and of ...

    Oyamada's writing is both sparse and evocative, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the last page.

The New York Times · 2020-10-06
mesmerizing 4.50

The novel is described as surreal and mesmerizing, focusing on gaps in memory and a woman's transformation. The reviewer praises its unique narrative structure and depth.

The New York Times reviewer describes 'The Hole' as a surreal and mesmerizing tale that delves into the gaps in memory and the transformation of its protagonist. The book's unique narrative structure is particularly praised, as it effectively conveys the protagonist's sense of disorientation and existential crisis. The reviewer also appreciates the book's exploration of themes like identity and the passage of time, which are handled with a delicate and nuanced touch. Overall, the review highlights the book's ability to captivate and unsettle the reader in equal measure.

Quick quotes

    Hiroko Oyamada's novel 'The Hole' is a surreal and mesmerizing tale about gaps in memory and a woman's transformation.

    The book's unique narrative structure effectively conveys the protagonist's sense of disorientation and existential crisis.

    Oyamada's exploration of themes like identity and the passage of time is handled with a delicate and nuanced touch.

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