Should you read Earthlings right now? I'd like to make a few suggestions to help anyone who may not know about this book to make a more informed decision. I would die defending this book but I'm also very VERY selective about who I recommend it to because it can be very disturbing and frankly soul-crushing. I truly want it to find its audience and selfishly I'd like to protect it from certain kinds of censure.
First of all, if you're thinking of reading it simply because you enjoyed Convenience Store Woman. STOP. These books may share the same author but they are not alike in the way I'm thinking you're expecting them to be so actually I suggest reading Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine instead.
Second, this book contains graphic CSA. Although I usually suggest avoiding looking up trigger warnings for this book (contained within that list is a major spoiler) I think you should know that the main character is put through all kinds of trauma at the hands of adults in her life and reading it is heartbreaking because you can't do a thing about it. Therefore, I strongly recommend being trauma-informed before reading this book.
Third, an understanding of Japanese society will provide much needed context for why all the characters are the way they are. Coming at this book with a strictly "western" perspective can be jarring and potentially misinform your understanding of why so many "taboos" are present. Japanese society is deeply patriarchal and misogynistic. Until very recently women have lacked basic autonomy outside the confines of housewifery and motherhood. This book in particular explores body autonomy and if that's not interesting to you it's going to be a tough read.
I'd like to conclude with a reminder that it's okay to not read a book even if many people are talking about it and it's also okay to not like a book because the content is just not for you. My deepest wish is for all readers to find books that resonate with them.
I'm quite nervous to post this but I hope it's helpful to at least one person.
