Kobo Abe

Kobo Abe was a prominent Japanese writer, playwright, photographer, and inventor known for his surreal and often nightmarish explorations of individuals in contemporary society. Born on March 7, 1924, in Tokyo, Japan, and originally named Kimifusa Abe, he adopted the pen name 'Kobo Abe'. His writing style has often been compared to that of Franz Kafka and Alberto Moravia. Some of his most famous works include the novels 'The Woman in the Dunes' (1962), 'The Face of Another' (1964), and 'The Box Man' (1973). Abe's literature is characterized by its existential themes and its focus on the alienation of the individual. He passed away on January 22, 1993.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Face Of Another

    Cover of 'The Face Of Another' by Kobo Abe

    This novel explores the profound psychological journey of a man disfigured in an accident, who becomes obsessed with creating a mask so perfect it allows him to reintegrate into society unnoticed. Through his meticulous crafting, he not only seeks physical camouflage but also grapples with the deeper existential questions of identity and alienation. As he dons his new face, the boundaries between his true self and the persona he projects begin to blur, leading him into a complex web of deception, introspection, and ultimately, a confrontation with the essence of who he really is. The narrative delves into themes of visibility, the nature of selfhood, and the masks people wear, both literal and metaphorical, to navigate the social world.

  2. 2. The Woman in the Dunes

    Cover of 'The Woman in the Dunes' by Kobo Abe

    This novel tells the story of a schoolteacher and amateur entomologist who travels to a remote seaside village to collect insects. He is tricked into staying the night in a house at the bottom of a sand pit with a mysterious woman, who spends her days shoveling back the ever-encroaching sand. As the days pass, the man realizes he has been trapped and is forced to help the woman with her endless task, leading to a strange and consuming relationship filled with existential dread and fascination.