Description

In this surreal and thought-provoking novel, a nameless protagonist sheds his identity to live within the confines of a cardboard box, transforming his existence into a unique form of urban exploration. As he navigates the streets of Tokyo, his enclosed world becomes a canvas for his observations, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. He encounters enigmatic figures—a persistent marksman, a beguiling nurse, and a doctor yearning for his own boxed existence—each adding layers to his disorienting journey. Kobo Abe masterfully crafts a bizarre yet compelling fable that delves into the profound questions of self, perception, and the nature of reality.

Available Editions

paperback edition cover

paperback

Penguin Books, Limited

Published Jan 1, 2020

192 pages

ISBN: 9780241454596

available
paperback edition cover

paperback

Vintage

Published Dec 14, 2011

194 pages

ISBN: 9780307813695

available

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Details

First Published

1973

Language

jpn

Translation

From: jpn

Content Warnings

Content and trigger warnings for The Box Man by Kobo Abe.

Violence