Clothes

The author pays microscopic attention to what the characters in the novel choose to wear. Every character is, to one extent or another, defined according to his/her wardrobe. For instance, Toru Okada's fashion choices speak to his unemployment and his position as a man who is more concerned with what is found inside him rather than on the outside. It is not until he joins Nutmeg and Cinnamon that his fashion landscape changes. Malta Kano's red vinyl hat becomes an unusual article of clothing only when the author describes the other articles in her outfit. The reader becomes more familiar with Kumiko's personality with each article of clothing mentioned. Her clothes reflect a love of order and simplicity. Kumiko's clothes are uncomplicated and tailored. They are well-made, carefully chosen, and Toru's wife takes diligent care of her clothes; she spends a good deal of time going...