‘Tender … yet haunting’: Under the Eye of the Big Bird
When exploring narratives of a future where humanity faces its own extinction, stories often tend towards bleakness. However, Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami, translated by Asa Yoneda, offers a more nuanced and tender perspective on our impending end.
The world depicted in this collection of short stories is one where humanity is fragmented into isolated communities in a desperate attempt to preserve its existence. These communities are overseen by enigmatic Watchers, while enigmatic Mothers play a crucial role in the upbringing of children. Initially, the stories may seem disjointed, but as the narrative unfolds, a captivating tapestry emerges, spanning millennia. Along the way, we encounter clones, individuals with three eyes, telepaths, and even humans capable of photosynthesis.
At its core, this collection delves into the essence of humanity, exploring themes of love, friendship, loneliness, and despair. It also provides glimpses into the darker aspects of human nature, whether through allusions to the past or reflections on our responses to those who are different from us.
Eleanor Parsons
Magazine editor, London
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