| Publisher: Penguin Random House UK (Hardcover) Year: 2023 Pages: 251 Author: Michiko Aoyama |
In a world often filled with negativity, finding a heartwarming story can be a real treat. Michiko Aoyama’s “What You Are Looking for is in the Library” offers exactly that—a collection of five heartwarming stories.
Aoyama’s book grabbed my attention with its beautiful cover on Amazon. Reading it felt like a sunny afternoon after a long, snowy winter—perfect for relaxing after a long day at work. The gentle pace and uplifting stories provided a much-needed escape.
For those seeking emotionally touching fiction and literary escapism, “What You Are Looking for is in the Library” comes highly recommended. The book features five stories, each revolving around a relatable character facing a baffling situation in life or career.
A stocky, no-nonsense librarian solves their problems. She is the common element in all five stories. The characters walk into the library almost by accident. They believe they need one thing but gain a new perspective from the librarian.
Michiko Aoyama creates characters that resonate across demographics, facing problems you and I might also encounter. Five individuals narrate the story in the first person across five chapters.
The book opens with Tomoka, a 21-year-old sales assistant in a department store, searching for a job that truly captures her heart. Ryo, a 35-year-old accountant, dreams of setting up a business but isn’t sure how to do it. Natsumi, a 40-year-old former magazine editor, faced an unwanted position after maternity and longs to return to the editorial role. Hiroya, a 30-year-old unemployed illustrator seeks a platform to rekindle his creativity. Finally, we meet Masao, a 65-year-old recent retiree struggling to accept his new identity.
Sayuri Komachi, the tight-lipped librarian, guides all five individuals with her book recommendations. Frankly, some of the books she suggests rarely get mentioned elsewhere. Her recommendations help the characters get out of their respective ruts. As readers, we also see how these books connect with each character’s journey.
Aoyama keeps the stories and characters relatable, without over-describing their problems. She avoids creating overly negative characters.
Instead, she paints a near-ideal world where people help each other and motivate those in need. Reading this book might leave you with the impression that the world in Japan is different.
The characters in the book show the Japanese way of putting the group before the individual. This might seem a bit much for Westerners. However, this focus on caring for others is nice to read about. The book gives hope and shows that it’s never too late to change. It’s a gentle, warm collection that lifts your spirits.
In some way, the stories depict good public services in Japan, with all the characters living close to the library. The library in a community center isn’t a grand literary destination. Aoyama describes it minimally: “Rows and rows of bookshelves fill an area about the size of a classroom.”
One thing that bothered me was the repeated description of the librarian, Sayuri Komachi. Even though each character meets her for the first time, the reader doesn’t need all the details about her mood and the Honeydome cookies in her drawer.
I must also mention the masterful translator of the book, Alison Watts. She captures the story beautifully, preserving the authentic feel of Japanese life with its greetings, politeness, and respect for elders.
This book became one of my rare escapes into fiction, something I only do once or twice a year. If you also need a literary escape, “What You Are Looking for is in the Library” might be the book you’re looking for. It reminds us that no matter how lost we may feel, there is always hope and a way forward. So, find a cozy spot, and let Michiko Aoyama’s words warm your heart.
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Very much enjoyed this book, especially reading how patrons from another culture utilize their library.
Frankly, I derived satisfaction from almost all characters’ experiences in the book.