I never quite understood what having a 'comfort' book meant. However after reading "What You Are Looking For Is In The Library", I had finally found one of mine.
This novel encompasses the separate short stories of five different individuals, with different careers who are disconcerted by their own unique dilemmas. Yet their lives are so intricately intertwined by invisible strings, connecting their stories together. They stumble upon a community library, in search of books to aid them in the pursuit of their goals. There they are acquainted with phlegmatic yet solicitous librarian, Ms. Komachi who, recommends books to them according to their requirements. She also lends to each of them a surprise book which is disconnected from their salient objective. However, it is that book which proves to be what they were verily looking for.
The parallelisms, symbols and metaphors used in the stories are used so adeptly that the novel feels like a poetic work. Ms. Komachi relays profound advice which not only is germane to our characters' objectives but also relevant in our lives. Often she conveys her wisdom through analogies and allegories, further enhancing the poetic and symbolic aspect to this novel.
This book is its essence, a tribute to books and literature. From perusing their recommended books, our characters view their world through brand new eyes, and are galvanized to push the needle forward in their lives. The novel emphasizes that we can draw different conclusions and infer different messages from literary works, which are relevant to our lives, no matter how irrelevant the books may appear to be. It also asserts that it is not the verbiage of a literary work which truly impacts us, but rather our interpretation of it and our willingness to construe it and derive meaning from it.
Another recurring theme in this novel is the importance of community and human connection, something we have forgotten in today's world. Our characters are able to make advancements in their lives, because of the new connections and bonds they weave between different individuals. Some of the people whom they interact with provide them pivotal advice and inspiration for their desires to come into fruition. In fact, the titular library is located in the community house, which highlights this novel's connection with community. I wish that my neighborhood was more like the one in the novel.
Although our characters face vastly different adversities, no matter how big or small, their dilemmas are portrayed as equally challenging and their triumphs are equally significant. This encourages us to be sensitive and sympathetic towards other people's challenges.
Another aspect of this book which I enjoyed was the feeling of warmth it emanates, through its mellow writing style and tone. After I finished each chapter I was imbued with a sensation of comfort and solace. I was incredibly content, as I read about the ways our characters tackle their challenges in their lives, and fulfill their ambitions.
I have to commend the translation of this novel into English. It is written so charmingly and warmly. Even though I have not read the original Japanese version, I have a visceral feeling that this translation has encapsulated its energy perfectly.
This is one of my favourite novels I have read this year; it is truly beautiful and inspiring in its own charming way. This is the perfect book if you are looking for a cosy, blissful read. I hope that everyone who reads this book will be able to love it at least half as much as I did.
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