The Woman in the Dunes

Book Review

Kobo Abe's «The Woman in the Dunes» is a profound philosophical work that explores themes of absurdity, alienation, and human essence. Critics note that the novel masterfully combines elements of existentialism and surrealism, creating an atmosphere of hopelessness and confinement. The protagonist, trapped in a sandy village, symbolizes the human struggle against the meaninglessness of existence and the attempt to find meaning in an absurd reality. Abe's style is characterized by conciseness and precision, which enhances the sense of claustrophobia and despair. Critics also emphasize that «The Woman in the Dunes» is an important contribution to Japanese literature and world literature as a whole, thanks to its unique themes and deep psychological analysis of the characters.