Review Detail

This is a Japanese novel (classic) that inspired Miyazaki's Spirited Away (Chihiro). If you don't enjoy reading books that are from older times (this one is from 1937, thus the way of thinking and rules are focused on what was acceptable during that time) then you'll find this read a slow burn.

I enjoyed it. I like to see how people thought before and what is still the same (like bullying, the powerful ones abusing their authority), and what has evolved.
At its core, it's a story of a boy without a father learning from his uncle but it's also filled with essays on art, politics, morality, social conduct, and a lot of the Japanese mentality of honor and courage, all to grow up into a better person.

I've listened to the audiobook with an intro by Neil Gaiman and I am richer for knowing this novel. It is deep and made me consider and reflect on many aspects of our lives.

I truly recommend it as a philosophical read.