As part of our Reading for Diversity series, the Library is teaming up with BookSoc to read and discuss Emi Yagi’s Diary of a Void in honour of Women's History Month. 

For the sake of women everywhere, Ms Shibata is going to pull off the mother of all deceptions…

When 34-year-old Ms Shibata gets a new job in Tokyo to escape sexual harassment at her old one, she finds

that as the only woman in her office, she is expected to do all the menial tasks. One day she announces that she can't clear away her coworkers' dirty cups - because she's pregnant and the smell nauseates her. The only thing is . . . Ms Shibata is not pregnant.

Pregnant Ms Shibata doesn't have to serve coffee to anyone. Pregnant Ms Shibata isn't forced to work overtime. Pregnant Ms Shibata can rest, watch TV, take long baths, and even join an aerobics class for expectant mothers. But she has a nine-month ruse to keep up. Before long, it becomes all-absorbing, and with the help of towel-stuffed shirts and a diary app that tracks every stage of her 'pregnancy', the boundary between her lie and her life begins to dissolve. 

The Library has provided digital and print copies of the book and it is also available to purchase from most major book retailers. Book Soc also has a limited number of print copies available.

The discussion group will be held in the Digital Commons on Level 1 of the Information Commons.  

All are welcome - no need to read the whole book!