Masks is a compelling exploration of grief, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Set in post-war Japan, the novel follows the story of two men, Ibuki and Mikame, who become entangled with Yasuko, a widow, and her mother-in-law, Mieko. Beneath the surface of their interactions lies a web of manipulation and hidden motives influenced by Mieko's deep knowledge of classical literature and her obsession with controlling the lives of those around her. The title refers to the masks used in Noh theater, symbolizing the characters' concealed emotions and intricate inner lives.

Drawing on themes of gender, power, and tradition, Enchi weaves a haunting narrative that challenges societal norms and explores the legacy of past traumas in shaping the present.