In brief: The story of several distantly linked people, all missing something in their lives, who gain insight by getting book recommendations from the local librarian.
The good: Lovely story.
The not-so-good: Most of the books recommended are in Japanese.
Why I chose it: Love comfy, feelgood Japanese fiction.
Year: 2023 (Originally 2020 in Japanese)
Pages: 251
Publisher: Doubleday (Penguin)
Translator: Alison Watts
Setting: Japan
Rating: 9 out of 10
Feel-good Japanese fiction is rapidly becoming a favourite of mine. It’s comforting, easy to read and reminds you of the small things to delight in. I’m so glad that more of this kind of fiction is making its way into English so readers can explore the nuances of Japanese culture.
What You are Looking For is in the Library is a delightful addition to the genre, focusing on a mysterious librarian who helps individuals to find passions and direction in their lives. Sayuri Komachi is a figure in white at the reference desk and when people venture to her desk, they receive a list of the books that will help them find out more on their chosen subject, as well as another book that seemingly has no relation to what they asked for. Sayuri also gives them a little ‘bonus’ – a felted object which again has no obvious link to what they are looking for. But through the book, each person finds meaning and the ability to change their lives for the better.
The story is told in the first person from five different individuals across the five chapters. Tomoka feels at a loss at her job in her department store but finds joy through an unexpected children’s book. Natsumi used to be a magazine editor, but after her maternity leave finds her work downgraded and motherhood not what she envisioned. Ryo finds his work unfulfilling and wants to open a business of his own, but isn’t sure how to go about it. Hiroya doesn’t work, after being downtrodden in his first job. But the library helps him to find his place in society and regain confidence. Masao is newly retired and at a loss – who is he now? But he finds direction in the next phase of his life in an unexpected way.
The stories are all relatable, and heartwarming without being saccharine. Each chapter could be read as a standalone (one of my slight annoyances was how Sayuri was described in detail each time, but it was the character’s first time seeing her). However, as the book progresses, there are glimpses of connections between the previous chapters’ characters which is a nice touch. The story is simply told and is translated well by Alison Watts – it doesn’t lose the Japanese way of life (such as greetings, politeness and courtesy to elders). The characters are wholly invested in the Japanese way of group before the individual – sometimes perhaps a little too much for Westerners to understand, but it’s a conscientiousness for others that is lovely to read. It offers hope, even if the characters think it’s too late to change – it isn’t. A gentle, warm story that is a mood booster.
Sam Still Reading 