A review by jayisreading
How Do You Live? by Genzaburō Yoshino

hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

I read this novel in preparation for Hayao Miyazaki's upcoming (at the time of writing this review) film, The Boy and the Heron. I'm very curious to know how Miyazaki will implement elements of this novel into his film, given that it's anything but fantastical. However, I can see why this novel left such an impression on him, with many of its philosophical messages making their way into Miyazaki's oeuvre. 

I felt that How Do You Live? was very reminiscent of The Little Prince, both novels carrying philosophical messages, though I felt Genzaburo was more didactic with how he set up his novel. You could technically see this novel as being two narratives woven into one. One narrative focuses on a teenage boy affectionately nicknamed Copper, who must contend with circumstances that challenge the way he perceives the world. The other narrative is found within the journal pages of Copper's uncle, who responds to his nephew's situations and questions with life advice, much of which considers one's position in society and, as the title of this novel suggests, how one lives in this world of ours. 

I wouldn't go so far as to say that this novel has a particular charm like The Little Prince (and that could be a result of the translation, though it wasn't bad by any means), but I can see why Miyazaki was so drawn to this novel, given its gentle yet firm approach to self-reflection. While it's not particularly revolutionary in what it does and the messages it coveys, How Do You Live? was still a poignant read.
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