The Hole

A couple move to a house next door to the husband’s parents after his job is transferred. The wife, Asahi, who narrates, finds the new place dull. One day, out walking, she sees a strange animal, follows it and falls into a hole.

Her husband’s reclusive brother tells her the creature digs such holes, but when they look for the one she fell into they cannot find it. Her often confused perspective leaves the reader uncertain about what is really happening. The novel deals with the strict gender roles of Japanese society.

It was translated into English by David Boyd.