The Face of Another

Book Review

"The Face of Another" by Kobo Abe is a profound philosophical work exploring themes of identity, alienation, and human nature. The protagonist, having lost his face in an accident, creates a mask to re-enter society. However, instead of regaining his former life, he encounters internal conflicts and questions about what it means to be human. Critics note that Abe masterfully uses the metaphor of the mask to explore the social and psychological aspects of human existence. The book raises questions about how appearance influences the perception of identity and how society shapes our understanding of ourselves. Abe's style, combining elements of surrealism and psychological analysis, makes the work not only engaging but also thought-provoking about the deeper aspects of human nature. "The Face of Another" is not just a story about physical transformation, but also about the search for the true self in a world full of illusions and prejudices.