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The Woman in the Dunes

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The Woman in the Dunes

By: Kobo Abe
Narrated by: Julian Cihi
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About this listen

The Woman in the Dunes, by celebrated writer and thinker Kobo Abe, combines the essence of myth, suspense, and the existential novel.

After missing the last bus home following a day trip to the seashore, an amateur entomologist is offered lodging for the night at the bottom of a vast sand pit. But when he attempts to leave the next morning, he quickly discovers the locals have other plans. Held captive with seemingly no chance of escape, he is tasked with shoveling back the ever-advancing sand dunes that threaten to destroy the village.

His only companion is an odd young woman. Together, their fates become intertwined as they work side-by-side at this Sisyphean task.

©1964 Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. (P)2018 Random House Audio Fantasy Fiction Literary Fiction Magical Realism Psychological

Critic Reviews

“Devious, addictive.... Never less than compulsive.... Abe is an accomplished stylist.” (David Mitchell)

“Abe follows with meticulous precision his hero's constantly shifting physical, emotional and psychological states.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“As is true of Poe and Kafka...Abe creates on the page an unexpected impulsion. One continues reading, on and on.” (The New Yorker)

What listeners say about The Woman in the Dunes

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Great story, not great narration

The voices barely differed much throughout, making it difficult to follow at times. Very monotone expression as well

Aside from that the story was brilliant

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absolutely amazing

This has quickly become one of my favorite books, I was intrigued the entire way through and found the conclusion incredibly satisfying. I find myself still thinking of this book many months later. The audio performance is also stellar.

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