Understanding Natsuki’s Journey
From childhood, we are molded by societal expectations, learning which behaviors are deemed praiseworthy and which are considered outrageous. In Sayaka Murata’s novel, ‘Earthlings’, we follow the life of Natsuki, who, as a child, feels profoundly out of place in her small town. Her comforting friend, Piyyut, the stuffed hedgehog, unveils a startling truth: she is an alien from the planet Popinpobopia. This revelation provides Natsuki with a unique lens through which she can view the world around her, including its absurdities.
The Absurdity of Normalcy
Murata illustrates a dystopian society that Natsuki describes as a “baby factory,” where individuals conform to societal norms by marrying and procreating. As Natsuki grapples with her alien identity, the pressure to conform intensifies. Her experiences deepen when she suffers abuse, only to find her cries for help fall upon deaf ears, further isolating her from the world she longs to understand.
Finding Liberation Through Defiance
‘Earthlings’ challenges readers to confront the stark realities of societal expectations. While Natsuki’s journey is fraught with dark themes, it ultimately leads to a sense of empowerment. By the conclusion, Natsuki discovers allies who embrace the beauty of their differences, igniting a series of rebellious acts that are both defiant and comically euphoric. Murata’s keen observations compel the audience to reflect on the price of conformity and the absurdity of accepted norms.
