Face of Another by Kobo Abe (Penguin Modern Classics)

Kobo Abe’s novel “The Face of Another” is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of identity, alienation, and the human condition. Set in post-war Japan, the story follows a scientist who is severely disfigured in a laboratory accident. His face, once a source of connection and self-assurance, becomes a grotesque mask that isolates him from society and even his own wife.

Driven by a desperate desire to reclaim his lost identity, the scientist embarks on a project to create a lifelike mask. Obsessed with his creation, he meticulously crafts a flawless replica of his former face, hoping to restore his lost self. However, the mask proves to be more than just a disguise; it becomes an alternate personality, a manifestation of the scientist’s hidden desires and repressed emotions.

As the scientist dons his mask and ventures out into the world, he experiences a newfound freedom and power. He is able to interact with others without fear of rejection, and he finds himself drawn to a life of deception and manipulation. However, his newfound freedom comes at a cost, as he becomes increasingly detached from his true self, losing touch with his humanity in the process.

Abe masterfully weaves together themes of identity, alienation, and the nature of reality in this captivating novel. The scientist’s quest for a new face becomes a metaphor for the human search for meaning and connection in a world that often feels alien and indifferent. The mask, initially a tool for transformation, becomes a prison that traps the scientist in a false identity, forcing him to confront the complexities of his own nature.

“The Face of Another” is a disturbing yet compelling exploration of the dark side of human nature. It is a story that lingers long after the final page is turned, prompting readers to question the nature of identity, the masks we wear, and the lengths to which we will go to escape the pain of isolation.