What You Are Looking for is in the Library
Michiko Aoyama author Alison Watts translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Transworld Publishers Ltd
Published:20th Jun '24
Should be back in stock very soon

A TOP TEN TIMES BESTSELLER
A TIME BOOK OF THE YEAR
SHORTLISTED FOR THE JAPAN BOOKSELLERS' AWARD
'An undeniable page-turner.' New York Times
'A tribute to the transformative power of books and libraries.' Irish Times
'I adored this uplifting, hopeful novel.' Daily Mail
The internationally bestselling Japanese novel about the life-changing power of books, kindness and second chances.
That is the question Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian asks everyone who walks through her doors.
Because Sayuri Komachi is no ordinary librarian.
With an uncanny gift for sensing what people truly need, she recommends exactly the right book, together with a tiny handmade felted charm. At first, her choices seem surprising. Soon, they begin to change lives.
Among those seeking her help are:
• A restless retail assistant searching for a more meaningful future.
• A working mother trying to rebuild her career after maternity leave.
• A conscientious accountant dreaming of opening an antique shop.
• A talented young manga artist who has lost his confidence.
• A newly retired salaryman searching for a new sense of purpose.
Each arrives looking for a book.
Each leaves with hope, fresh possibilities and the courage to begin a new chapter.
Warm, wise and quietly uplifting, WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS IN THE LIBRARY is a celebration of books, libraries, kindness and community, and a reminder that sometimes the story you need most is the one you never expected to find.
--
Perfect for readers of The Midnight Library, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop and We'll Prescribe You a Cat, and for anyone who believes in the power of the right book at the right time.
'A quirky slice of feel-good fiction that you could recommend to anyone.' Mail on Sunday
*****'I definitely want to visit this library. I feel kinder after this book.' Reader review
*****'It made me laugh and cry and feel comforted.' Reader review
*****'Wonderful. It made me look for connection in my life.' Reader review
I ADORED this uplifting, hopeful novel ... A joy from start to finish, this book makes you feel anything is possible -- Wendy Holden * Daily Mail *
There's a wistful, warm-hearted appeal to Aoyama's paean to the power of books ... [it's] a quirky slice of feel-good fiction that you could recommend to anyone * Mail on Sunday *
An endearing novel and a tribute to the transformative power of books and libraries * Irish Times *
Captivating! * Sunday Post *
The novel is an undeniable page-turner, its mechanism energized by a simple question, posed again and again by the uncanny librarian, Mrs. Komachi. The question brings Michiko Aoyama’s characters often to the brink of tears; and not only her characters, but this reader, too. It is the great question of the library, and of the bookstore, and maybe of life: What are you looking for? * New York Times *
If what you are searching for is a believable take on contemporary life in Tokyo, seasoned with a dash of whimsy, you’ll find your perfect match in this heartwarming novel * Japan Times *
It's been a rotten year, so spark joy with this! * DAILY MAIL *
There’s a special kind of magic in recommending books to other people and Michiko Aoyama captures that perfectly here. Full of charm; a genuine comfort read * CULTURE FLY *
ISBN: 9781804994139
Dimensions: 197mm x 128mm x 19mm
Weight: 188g
272 pages