BOOK: What you are looking for is in the library
AUTHOR: Michiko Aoyama
TRANSLATOR: Alison Wats
PUBLISHERS: Penguin
GENRE: Fiction (Japanese literature)
RATING: 5 ⭐
REVIEW: Imagine, you are lost and don’t have any idea what to do in life and one fine day you stumbled upon your locality’s library and there a strange-looking librarian gives you a book recommendation that has no relation with your life yet that book and the felt toy given by the librarian as a bonus gift change your life.
Well, that’s the story of “What you are looking for is in the library”.
The Book is divided into 5 chapters where each chapter carries a story of an individual who either is not happy with her current job or wants to start his own business or wants her pre-motherhood career back or wants a job that gives him satisfaction or doesn’t know what to do after retirement.
What’s common in all five individuals is that they all somehow landed up in their community’s library where the librarian Sayuri Komachi recommended each of them not only the books they were looking for but also a personal recommendation along with a felt toy made by the librarian herself as a bonus gift that helped each of them to come out of their state of despair.
After reading this book I realized why it is said that some books don’t share stories rather they create magic and this is one such book. Though this is a translated version and the original book was written in Japanese, yet the narration in English is smooth and flowy, it feels like instead of words, butter has been rubbed on the paper to share the stories of the five Japanese.
The story is set in Japan, showcasing its unique culture yet someone who is sitting miles away from the place, can easily feel the emotions of the characters, even some of you might relate with the protagonists of the book and feel their sorrow and worries.
This book profoundly depicts how each book can be interpreted differently by different people and how each book can have a different impact on different people and it’s all about the situation or zone you are in while you pick that book.
In the beginning, I thought all five stories were independent and the only common thing between them was the library and the librarian. However, as you read each story and give it proper attention, you will see the connection between each one of them.
This book will bring a sense of calmness to your chaotic life and will provide you with the same level of comfort and warmth that you feel while talking to your best friends.
The book’s length is not too much, it can be finished in one or two sitting. However, after reading the first chapter I was sure that I didn’t want this book to end fast, therefore, I took all the time in the world to finish it and I am happy that I didn’t rush to finish this one and focused on savoring each word.
If you are someone looking for a soul-hugging and a comfort read then you should definitely read this beauty.
Thank you @penguineindia for giving this book in exchange for an honest review.