Self-perception can be a peculiar thing. Despite the evidence of a mirror, some people cannot see themselves as others do. Fuyuko Irie cannot find a person of worth in her mirror. She’s shy and works as a proofreader: in essence she’s trying to find every fault in a manuscript. Her co-workers bully her and Fuyuko is sure they’ve found every fault in her.
Fuyuko has one friend, Hijiri, another proofreader, who convinces her to work freelance so she can work from home. This is both a blessing and a curse. Fuyuko isn’t bullied, but work now completely dominates her life. Hijiri is her one outlet to the world. The two are opposites. Hijiri is outgoing and a drinker (to Fuyuko’s abstinence). Both have the same attitude to their work though: they work hard to eliminate any mistakes but know that perfection is impossible (a metaphor for life).
Fuyuko begins to drink alcohol to overcome her shyness. In a drunken state she meets Mitsutsuka, who’s science-oriented and tries to teach Fuyuko about light.
Kawakami creates imagery, with synaesthetic qualities linking colour and music. Mitsutsuka’s lessons on light are vital. Light, he argues, has to reflect off something to be seen. If Fuyuko stays alone, her own ‘light’ won’t ever be seen.
All the Lovers in the Night is outstanding writing – seemingly simple yet completely mesmerising.
Reviewed by Bob Moore
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