How Do You Live? by Genzaburo Yoshino - Sian
I discovered the magic of Studio Ghibli a couple of years ago, starting with Spirited Away. From there, I feel like Pandora’s Box has been opened and I’ve discovered a whole new world of animated beauty. So upon hearing that a new film was coming in the summer of 2023, and not only that, but it was based on a book due to be re-published in English?! Oof. I about lost my mind. Although I’m sure you’re all aware of this considering we put up a shrine to all things Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki in Westbourne Bookshop to channel our excitement.
You all went feral for it, so I thought I’d share my thoughts on How Do You Live? both as a book, but also how I think it will translate to the big screen.
So! How Do You Live? is a coming-of-age story about fifteen-year-old Copper. His world is still small at his age: he has his mum at home after his father passed away; he goes to the middle school on the train every day; he has nice friends to spend time with; he has an uncle with whom he’s very close. And it’s this relationship with Uncle that begins to expand his world beyond what he already knows. And between reading Copper’s story, and the diary entries that Uncle has written for him in a red notebook, we begin to see how he is shaping into the human he wants to be.
Copper begins to grasp the intricacies humanity in so many forms, both from his own experiences, but from history as well. For example, I learned heaps about Napoleon, of all people, alongside Copper after Uncle wrote about his many accomplishments. We read about sociology and economics and anthropology and philosophy & ethics… this book is an incredible marriage of fiction and non-fiction story-telling.
I can see why this book is a favourite of Hayao Miyazaki’s. These are the sorts of lessons that may seem beyond teenagers to an older reader, except that is the exact reason that they should be brought to children during these formative years. And even as an adult, there is so much to take from these lessons, even if it’s a cosy dose of nostalgia.
Speaking of cosy: this is going to be a wonderful animated film*. Studio Ghibli will bring the atmosphere of this story to life. A safe suburb contrasting with bustling Tokyo, broken up with powerful stories through history. I could see the scenes playing out in my head in classic Ghibli style as I read: beautiful watercolour landscapes, jaunty dialogue, playful animation and sound design, and the score… well, we all know it’s going to be gorgeous.
Overall, I loved it. It was relaxing, moving, and wise beyond what I expected. It was beautifully translated by Bruno Navasky, and I think the sharp, direct style of Japanese writing was a refreshing contrast with the wistful stories of a young heart like Copper’s. And I really do agree with Neil Gaiman’s foreword: just keeping the fiction, or the non-fiction aspects of this story would leave you half empty. It’s the blending of both that makes this story soar. It’s one I’d probably read again as a little pick-me-up. Highly recommend.
Sian
*At the time of writing this review, the film has not reached the UK yet. I am dying.
