The Factory
Product ID: 147568546
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The English-language debut of Hiroko Oyamada―one of the most powerfully strange young voices in Japan The English-language debut of one of Japan's most exciting new writers, The Factory follows three workers at a sprawling industrial factory. Each worker focuses intently on the specific task they've been assigned: one shreds paper, one proofreads documents, and another studies the moss growing all over the expansive grounds. But their lives slowly become governed by their work―days take on a strange logic and momentum, and little by little, the margins of reality seem to be dissolving: Where does the factory end and the rest of the world begin? What's going on with the strange animals here? And after a while―it could be weeks or years―the three workers struggle to answer the most basic question: What am I doing here? With hints of Kafka and unexpected moments of creeping humor, The Factory casts a vivid―and sometimes surreal―portrait of the absurdity and meaninglessness of the modern workplace. Review: Lit class would challenge this piece - I enjoyed the cultural experience, and I was willing to take a walk with the author down a complicated technique. While some refer to it as similar to Kafka, it seems that it is an attempt that does not rise up to the name, especially with the ending. I went into it anticipating more questions about the reality the characters existed within, but that did not emerge until the last few pages, maybe even the last few paragraphs. I enjoyed some of the character development, but overall I wanted more from the author than she delivered in this book. Part of the blame I put squarely on the shoulders of her publisher, who should have given her more guidance and support for a novel such as this. Unless, of course, she is self published. Then in that case she had the editor she deserved. Review: Fascinating! - I didn't want to stop reading this book, though it scared me. To put it simply, it is about how work can consume you and companies can own you, but it is told in a beautiful way that shows the contrast between the natural and unnatural parts of life.
| Best Sellers Rank | #120,970 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #52 in Absurdist Fiction (Books) #4,015 in Contemporary Women Fiction #7,334 in Literary Fiction (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 3.7 out of 5 stars 580 Reviews |
K**8
Lit class would challenge this piece
I enjoyed the cultural experience, and I was willing to take a walk with the author down a complicated technique. While some refer to it as similar to Kafka, it seems that it is an attempt that does not rise up to the name, especially with the ending. I went into it anticipating more questions about the reality the characters existed within, but that did not emerge until the last few pages, maybe even the last few paragraphs. I enjoyed some of the character development, but overall I wanted more from the author than she delivered in this book. Part of the blame I put squarely on the shoulders of her publisher, who should have given her more guidance and support for a novel such as this. Unless, of course, she is self published. Then in that case she had the editor she deserved.
A**H
Fascinating!
I didn't want to stop reading this book, though it scared me. To put it simply, it is about how work can consume you and companies can own you, but it is told in a beautiful way that shows the contrast between the natural and unnatural parts of life.
B**E
An interesting quick read but not for everyone
The Factory depicts the monotony of corporate work where it feels that your individual position does not serve a purpose. It’s a good commentary on corporate work and how nothing ever happens. For that reason, nothing happens in the book. I enjoyed it for the writing and creating a rich sense of the factory. However, it’s not a book that grips you. It’s what we already know - we are cogs in a wheel. I give it 4 stars for the writing and layering of stories from three perspectives.
M**O
So Bad....
I'm not sure what I just read but it wasn't good. Nothing interesting happens. At all. It's sometimes hard to tell what's going on. Then the book abruptly ends for no reason. Stupid.
F**Y
Moody, ominous and funny
This brief novel tells of 3 young Japanese graduates who all get jobs at a mysterious "factory." No one knows what the factory actually makes, and none of the 3 even understand the point of their jobs. With its sprawling size, multitude of restaurants and everything a city holds, the factory reminded me of Microsoft, Apple or similar places that demand sacrifice of employees. The tone of this book alternates between humorous and ominous. The characters are confused internally but polite externally. It's kind of the feeling of being in a dream, where things have their own logic but don't actually make sense. I read the print copy of this book. It alternates among the 3 narrators, but does not identify them. Also, paragraphs run together and conversations are depicted like this: "What is your name?" What does she mean asking my name? "My name is Hiroko." Doesn't she know my name? "Well, Hiroko-san...." It was surprisingly easy to tell who was talking, but some readers may have issues with it. The time frame also shifts, with one paragraph in current time immediately followed by something in the past (no page breaks). Being American, I may have missed some nuances of Japanese culture such as the significance of what they eat when they go out, or types of birds. I am not really sure what happened at the end of this book and it seemed to end suddenly. Overall, I think the author had a lot to say about work, self-worth, isolation and capitalism, but fell a little short. This is her first novel (I think) so I'd be interested to see what is next.
I**A
Good Read
This quick read was absolutely bonkers. If you are studying Japanese, it says a lot about Japanese work culture, but is still pretty relatable. I also enjoyed the meta-aspects of the story. Good, light read. I can see how some people might not like this book, but that depends where your interest are. If you are expecting an "anime" style story. This isn't it. It is more cultural commentary.
E**E
Gift
Gift
N**C
It's the sort of thing you'll like if you like this sort of book
Do you like the books of Jeff Vandermeer? How about Helen Phillips's "The Beautiful Bureaucrat"? If you love those, you'll love this too. It's the story of three people who take jobs in a mysterious factory. They're not sure what's happening there, and mysterious animals appear, and weird things with time, and none of the questions raised by the book are ever answered. You can take it as a metaphor for the modern workforce if you like. I did at first, but by the end, contemplating the countless similarities with Vandermeer's books, I decided that this may just be the requirements of the genre.
J**T
BLACK COMEDY?
This book follows the lives of people who work in this factory, for which the purpose of the factory is unclear. People live in the factory's living quarters, and their lives seem all consumed by this factory. The book has a surprising, unusual ending which leaves you feeling unsure of the future of everyone in the factory. The book arrived when expected and in perfect condition.
A**H
Sad story, well written
I really enjoyed this book, a bit sad but an interesting look into capitalism and the imbalance of power.
L**M
good product
good product
B**T
Kafka meets the Japanese workplace
Oh wow, what a great little book. For fans of Kafka meeting the Japanese workplace, this is a must. A very interesting piece of contemporary Japanese literature!
S**T
Frustrating
Oh boy. I don't know how this book is so popular. Not my cup of tea.
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