Diary of a Void

by Emi Yagi
Diary of a Void cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Contemporary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 417
  • Added: 2025-09-11
  • Updated: 2025-09-11
  • ISBN: 9781473593367
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2022-08-11
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

In "Diary of a Void," Ms Shibata, a woman working in a male-dominated Tokyo company, invents a pregnancy to avoid the relentless sexism and menial tasks expected of her. Using towel-stuffed shirts and a pregnancy-tracking app, she sustains this elaborate ruse for nine months, finding unexpected perks like public sympathy and a newfound community among expectant mothers. This surreal and subversive narrative explores themes of female interiority, loneliness, and the search for respect in a rigid corporate environment. The novel also critiques broader societal issues such as gender inequality, workplace harassment, and consumerism in contemporary Japan. Ms Shibata’s fake pregnancy becomes a lens through which the story examines the pressures on women to conform and the small acts of rebellion that reclaim personal agency. Praised for its rich inner life and sharp social observations, "Diary of a Void" resonates with readers who appreciate nuanced explorations of identity and the complexities of modern womanhood.

Reviews
Cha Journal · 2024-09-20
thoughtful 4.25

The novel explores profound themes of isolation and the complex identities women navigate, highlighting the emotional and psychological divides that arise from societal expectations. The gradual manifestation of pregnancy symptoms adds a surreal layer, deepening the exploration of loneliness and self-identity.

This review delves into the emotional and psychological isolation experienced by the protagonist, Shibata, and by extension, women in general. It emphasizes the tension between physical and psychological realities, as seen in Shibata's interactions and the widening divide caused by her fabricated pregnancy. The reviewer appreciates how Yagi uses the lie of pregnancy not just as a plot device but as a means to explore the loneliness inherent in female identity and societal roles. Furthermore, the review highlights the surreal progression of Shibata actually developing pregnancy symptoms, which blurs the line between reality and fiction within the narrative. This element enriches the story by complicating Shibata's identity and deepening the reader's engagement with her internal struggle and isolation.

Quick quotes

    I’m standing right here with you, Hosono, and there’s no way for me to really get how depleted you are, how exhausted…

    I’m so alone. I’m sorry—this has nothing to do with how hard things are for you, Hosono. But I’m always so alone.

    Yagi points to a sense of isolation experienced by all women as they navigate these identities, finding themselves fixed firmly either side of a binary.

Jade's Bookshelf - WordPress · 2024-01-04
immersive 4.00

The story is a compelling and immersive exploration of the protagonist’s nine-month deception, capturing how the lie becomes all-consuming and blurs the boundary between fiction and reality. The narrative is praised for its matter-of-fact prose and deep dive into the protagonist’s evolving identity.

This review highlights how the novel masterfully portrays the gradual engulfment of the protagonist’s life by her fabricated pregnancy. The reviewer notes the effective use of simple yet vivid prose that captures everyday details, making the story feel both surreal and grounded. The nine-month ruse is not just a plot mechanism but a profound exploration of identity and survival in a challenging social environment. The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and subtlety with which the novel treats the protagonist’s experience, showing how the lie shifts from a mere survival tactic to something that reshapes her existence. The story is described as weird and wonderful, emphasizing its unique tone and compelling character study.

Quick quotes

    The evening vegetables looked so fresh and juicy, the tips of the greens bursting with life.

    For the sake of women everywhere, Ms Shibata is going to pull off the mother of all deceptions.

    Being a mother-to-be isn’t easy. Ms Shibata has a nine-month ruse to keep up.

Harvard Review · 2022-12-01
engaging 4.50

The novel is a sweetly surreal exploration of loneliness and the search for respect and connection in a disconnected world, using a fake pregnancy as a lens to critique workplace culture and social isolation. It balances sharp social commentary with moments of warmth and community.

This review appreciates the novel’s surreal and quietly powerful approach to discussing societal expectations and loneliness. It notes how the protagonist's fake pregnancy allows her to claim respect and community in a work environment that otherwise marginalizes her. The reviewer highlights the nuanced depiction of everyday life and how the pregnancy fantasy gives Shibata new freedoms and a sense of belonging. The reviewer also points out the novel’s ability to avoid bleakness despite its critique of work culture, finding moments of humor and human connection that make the story engaging and relatable. The narrative’s structure, moving through the weeks of pregnancy, cleverly mirrors the protagonist's emotional journey and growing self-acceptance.

Quick quotes

    The office was a swamp, not a deep one, but one that let off a weird-smelling gas all year round.

    She benefits most when she joins an aerobics class for expectant mothers. The other participants coax the normally reserved Shibata out of her shell and give her a sense of community.

    Her pregnancy deception is conceived in a moment of anger, but we begin to see the loneliness behind it.

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