Book Review: What you are Looking for Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

   I, too, could change, and still be the same inside.

      So here I am, back with another book review, my second book review and also second book by a Japanese author. Japanese books or even movies have this unique air about them, this feeling of nostalgia and melancholy.They let you soak into a peaceful state of mind and lets you forget all your worries and more often times gives you solutions to those worries through the stories. 'What you are looking for is in the library' by Michiko Aoyama is one such book where I found myself being transported to the world of those characters, see and feel everything through each characters perspective.I picked up this book as it had an interesting title because as a bibliophile my beloved place is none other than the library.This novel is a captivating journey through the lives of various individuals, all struggling with the universal quest for purpose and meaning.

               

             Library. What a nice-sounding word. So comforting. I feel like I'm a student again

                                     Library........' am I allowed to borrow books?'

  

    Written by Michiko Aoyama and translated by Alison Watts this slice-of-life novel intricately weaves together the contrasting stories of its characters, all of whom find solace and guidance in the unexpected place: within the walls of a modest community library.Yes a library, a bibliophile’s shrine.

      At the heart of the narrative is the enigmatic librarian, Sayuri Komachi. The  honeydome cookie loving, felting librarian who had a large presence, whose  uncanny ability to recommend the perfect book serves as a catalyst for personal transformation. The characters grapple with existential questions, career dilemmas, and personal crises .Through her curated selections, each character embarks on a profound introspective journey, confronting their fears, insecurities, and long-held beliefs and finding unexpected revelations and newfound purpose in the pages of books. One of the most compelling aspects of Aoyama's storytelling is her ability to capture the universal human experience, from a struggling sales assistant plagued by self-doubt to a disillusioned corporate executive yearning for authenticity, From an exhausted NEET to a retired gentleman who likes poetry, Aoyama's characters are as diverse as they are relatable.

              

          'What am I working for?'......'I was working in order to eat, but I never had time to eat                                           because of work'- that seemed crazy

     What sets this novel apart is its subtle yet moving exploration of the transformative power of literature. As the characters immerse themselves in the world of classic and contemporary works, they discover new perspectives, discover buried truths, and ultimately, find the courage to start their own path forward.Through their collective experiences, Aoyama skilfully underscores the timeless proverb that sometimes, what we seek most fervently is already within reach.

    The book is elegantly crafted, with Aoyama's vivid descriptions and insightful observations drawing readers into the intimate lives of her characters. Whether navigating the bustling streets of Tokyo or seeking refuge amidst the shelves of the library, each setting is rendered with a palpable sense of authenticity and depth. While the pacing may covulve at times, mirroring the ebb and flow of everyday life, it ultimately serves to enrich the narrative medley, allowing readers to savor the variation of each character's journey. Moreover, the seamless translation by Alison Watts ensures that the essence of Aoyama's prose remains intact, preserving the novel's emotional resonance for English-speaking audiences.

'Numerous dingy objects, caught in the times deep embrace, waited expectantly under the  light of a naked bulb'

  In conclusion, "What You Are Looking for Is in the Library" is an impressive evidence of the power that literature has on human experience. With its richly written characters, thought provoking storytelling, and profound insights, this novel invites readers to embark on a transformative voyage of self-discovery—one that reaffirms the timeless truth that sometimes, the answers we seek lie not far away, but within the pages of a book, and in my case it has always been books.

   Target Audience: Readers seeking a thought-provoking exploration of personal growth, lovers of literary fiction, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of storytelling.

My rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐

   'What are you looking for?' she had asked me. I think about it.' A place for these dreams that I don't know what to do with?'

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