When Saya sends a text to tell me she has a new boyfriend, I instantly write back: What’s he like? But all she replies is: He’s a doctor.
Modern Japanese literature really is a world unto its own.
From the dense, supernatural, magic realism fantasy that Murakami writes to the (often) saccharin sweet, story-with-message that is dominating the scene at the moment. These stories-with-message can by lightly written, simplistic and apparently aimed at a young adult market. They’re often presented as interconnected short stories, featuring cats, books, discontented, lost souls and a journey. They are designed to tug at your heart strings. Some work better than others. The ones that hide deeper, darker ideas underneath the sentiment are the ones that have stuck with me over time.
What You Are Looking For is in the Library worked just fine, sitting somewhere in the middle ground. Not too sweet with a hint of depth and complexity.
There are five chapters with five protagonists:
- Tomoko, 21, Womenswear Sales Assistant
- Ryo, 35, Accounts Department of a Furniture Manufacturer
- Natsumi, 40, Former Magazine Editor
- Hiroya, 30, NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training)
- Masao, 65, Retired.
The connection between them all is the Hatori Community House and Library and the librarian, Ms Sayuri Komachi.
Ms Komachi is a slightly eccentric, rather large woman who mans her reference desk in a formidable way as she felts small creatures and objects.. Her unusual, rather brusque manner has an unsettling impact on the five individuals whose stories we hear. When she asks her standard librarian question, ‘what are you looking for?’ she illicits unexpected answers from each of them as they find themselves revealing their innermost dreams, fears and hopes. Ms Komachi swings into action, printing out a list of books suitable to their needs. Each list finishes with a book completely unrelated, and seemingly random to the others. She also presents these five with one of her felted creatures. Her intuitive choices (book and felted object) hit the mark, sparking new ideas and ways of seeing things for each character.
A simple idea, but sweet that allows Michiko Aoyama to explore some philosophical musings around work, reading, Japanese society and the meaning of life. We all have those pivotal moments in life, when we make a big decision, create change or determine to head off in a new direction. The inspiration is often found in a book, a quote, something said or a gesture that gives us the push we need. In What You Are Looking For is in the Library the impetus is Ms Komachi.
Undemanding, quirky, and hopeful – one of the better ones in this genre. I enjoyed spending time with all five of the protagonists and as a bookseller I love the idea of the right book recommendation at the right time being likened to a super power!
Favourite Quote:
A broad smile lit Ms Komachi’s face. ‘You may say that it was the book, but it’s how you read a book that is most valuable, rather then the power it might have itself.
- Book 11 of 20 Books of
SummerWinter
Title: What you are looking for is in the library | お探し物は図書室まで Author: Michiko Aoyama Translator: Alison Watts ISBN: 9780857529121 Imprint: Doubleday Published: 8 August 2023 (originally published 9 November 2020) Format: Hardback Pages: 256 Origin: ARC Dates Read: 8 May 2023 - 28 June 2023
| This post was written on the traditional land of the Wangal clan, one of the 29 clans of the Eora Nation within the Sydney basin. This Reading Life recognises the continuous connection to Country, community and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They are the traditional custodians of the lands, seas, and skies on which we live and they are this nations first storytellers. |
This Reading Life 
Sounds a fair review, Brona, and one with a little more depth than the title (for all that I applaud its message) might superficially suggest.
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Thanks Chris. I always start these books with such high hopes, but they never quite live up to the hype on the cover or expectations set by tags like ‘shortlisted for the Japanese Booksellers’ Award’. I enjoyed it, but by the end I wanted more substance. A bit like eating fairy floss.
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Those overly sentimental Japanese novels are a bit much, but this book looks appealing–not too cloying and a down-to-earth, perceptive librarian.
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I didn’t feel like this one deliberately set out to make me cry (which many of them do – set out to make me cry that it, not actually cry! Takes a certain special touch to actually make me cry in a book).
I really liked all five characters that the story rotated through as well. Lovely, gentle, undemanding.
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I have read one Japanese book recently about books and cats. There seem to be many Japanese books published now. Or it is just that they have been translated. I think I would love this one.
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I wondered that too? Where are the crime writers? The literary fiction? The romance novels? The satires, historical fiction, science fiction etc? It can’t just be self-help/inspirational books and fantasy books being written and read in Japan?
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I love the idea of book recs a a superpower! Is the cat in the book OK? Or is there even a cat, given I read a Japanese novel the other month with a cat on the front but not in the book!
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Ha! Cats are in the books, most of the characters seesm to have one at home, but certainly not a feature of the story. No talking cats or cats with agency or on a mission to save their human 😀
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or dead cats, presumably, which is the thing I worry about!
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No dead cats here!
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I seem to be finding more and more Japanese books about books/library these days. Which is good; it would give me a lot of choices for next year’s Japanese Lit challenge (if it’s happening). This one sounds interesting. Building a list of book to cater people’s needs seems to be a wholesome job!
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Glad to be of assistance in growing your books about books/library list 😀
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