After reading Convenience Store Woman, I became more interested in Japanese literature. WYALFIITL is a book that based on its synopsis matched my interest and since I was looking for something cozy, I gave it a try.
I really liked the stories and at times, I found myself relating with the characters. I have felt quite lost and there are moments when I'm not quite sure about the decisions I make. But reading the book made me feel more hopeful, no matter how childish it might sound.
What I really liked was the diversity. We have a young woman in her 20s, a 35-year-old accountant, a mother, a man without a job and a retired man. The problems they faced were different and yet their main issue was the same: the feeling of being lost and being unable to tell how to go on with your life. It was interesting to see how each one of them resolved their problems and all thanks to the librarian, Sayuri Komachi.
Komachi was a very safe presence for me. I have my complaints regarding her description but I really found comfort in her character, even though she appeared for just a few moments. Her words made me feel more secure and confident, she's the archetype of the magic-like character who is there to help the heroes by providing them with advice or enigmatic words. I always fall for this propaganda.
The book was very cozy and heart-warming but after a while, the structure became too formulaic and predictable. The message was more than clear and yet I think it could have been delivered in more depth. Once I finished it, I felt like I had read something important and nothing at all. That being said, I still enjoyed it, I loved the whimsical setting of the library and how much the importance of books was highlighted. Furthermore, I discovered new books to read and Japanese recipes to try!
All in all, I recommend this if you want to dive into Japanese literature or if you're in need of something easy-going. It's not a life changing experience but you can still find something to grasp onto.
by -greek_user_06-