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A review by woolgatherer
The Easy Life in Kamusari by Shion Miura
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5
As the title suggests, this coming-of-age novel was easygoing, following Yuki Hirano to the mountains of Japan. Yuki is incredibly displeased that he has to leave his comfortable city life because his parents signed him up for a forestry training program, but eventually discovers the joys of the Kamusari villagers' lifestyle and principles.
This was somewhat of a predictable novel, but it was a comforting and illuminating read that was reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films. (I especially think of Isao Takahata's films more than Miyazaki's, to be honest.) Comforting, in the sense that you get the small joys in life that are so often highlighted. Illuminating, in the sense that you get insight into a deeply important subculture of Japan.
I will say that I was a little annoyed with how forgiving people were of a side character's infidelity. I was also a bit taken aback when I saw that a prize for one festival was the chance to sleep with any woman in the village (even if this isn't enforced). I suppose this might speak to a remote village's old-fashioned beliefs/customs, but these were my main issues.
This was somewhat of a predictable novel, but it was a comforting and illuminating read that was reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films. (I especially think of Isao Takahata's films more than Miyazaki's, to be honest.) Comforting, in the sense that you get the small joys in life that are so often highlighted. Illuminating, in the sense that you get insight into a deeply important subculture of Japan.
I will say that I was a little annoyed with how forgiving people were of a side character's infidelity. I was also a bit taken aback when I saw that a prize for one festival was the chance to sleep with any woman in the village (even if this isn't enforced). I suppose this might speak to a remote village's old-fashioned beliefs/customs, but these were my main issues.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Infidelity
Moderate: Death