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図書館戦争 #1
図書館戦争
2019年。公序良俗を乱し人権を侵害する表現を取り締まる『メディア良化法』の成立から30年。日本はメディア良化委員会と図書隊が抗争を繰り広げていた。笠原郁は、図書特殊部隊に配属されるが……。
345 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2006
6 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Hiro Arikawa
74 books1,510 followersHiro Arikawa won the tenth annual Dengeki Novel Prize for new writers for Shio no Machi: Wish on My Precious in 2003, and the book was published the following year. It was praised for its love story between a heroine and hero divided by age and social status, and for its depiction of military structures. Although she is a light novelist, her books from her second work onwards have been published as hardbacks alongside more literary works with Arikawa receiving special treatment in this respect from her publisher, MediaWorks. Shio no Machi was also later published in hardback. Her 2006 light novel Toshokan Sensō (The Library War) was named as Hon no Zasshi's number one for entertainment for the first half of 2006, and came fifth in the Honya Taishō for that year, competing against ordinary novels.
She often writes about the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and her first three novels concerning its three branches are known as the Jieitai Sanbusaku (The SDF Trilogy); she also wrote about the fictional Library Forces in the Toshokan Sensō series. Raintree no Kuni, which first appeared as a book within a book in Toshokan Nairan was later published by Arikawa as a spin-off with another publisher. It was adapted into a film titled World of Delight released on November 21, 2015.[2][3]Her novel Shokubutsu Zukan (ja) will be adapted into a film titled Shokubutsu Zukan: Unmei no Koi, Hiroimashita and scheduled for release on June 4, 2016.
She often writes about the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and her first three novels concerning its three branches are known as the Jieitai Sanbusaku (The SDF Trilogy); she also wrote about the fictional Library Forces in the Toshokan Sensō series. Raintree no Kuni, which first appeared as a book within a book in Toshokan Nairan was later published by Arikawa as a spin-off with another publisher. It was adapted into a film titled World of Delight released on November 21, 2015.[2][3]Her novel Shokubutsu Zukan (ja) will be adapted into a film titled Shokubutsu Zukan: Unmei no Koi, Hiroimashita and scheduled for release on June 4, 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 12, 2015
“Where they burn books, they will ultimately also burn people.-Heinrich Heine
Imagine a world where the books we read are considered catalysts for the minds of serial killers. A world where the ideas we express and publish are considered so dangerous, that even stories like Little Red Riding Hood would be taken off of shelves and burned for its "violent content."
Imagine a world where libraries and those who recognized this overblown censorship enlisted to fight for our freedom of expression. Where lives were in danger over censorship unlawfully imposed on us. You might be thinking, "Why in the world would you be willing to die for books?" Well, then you have a lot to think about dear friend. As silly as the concept is, if you actually look into it, this concept of censorship is happening around us all the time. If you don't see the connection of how branding our entertainment as evil influences over our minds, that humans are so weak willed that they would emulate what books had depicted, then you fail to see what makes this story so important.
Kasahara Iku has been waiting to read the last book in a series for 10 YEARS. When she finally gets the chance to buy it, the Improvement Special Agency (part of the Media Improvement Committee who are doing the censorship) storm in to the bookstore. Iku slips the book under her shirt, but suddenly, an enforcer grabs it from her. Iku desperately fights to keep her book. To anyone who understands the pain of waiting for a conclusion to a series, to have their rights violated, I am certain you can understand Iku's feelings and actions, even if the concept of the story might still sound absurd to you. Just as she is shoved to the ground, someone catches her. This man becomes such a prominent figure to Iku that she vows to join the Library Defense Force after he saves all of the books from censorship and returns her the book she had been waiting for 10 years to read.
Problem is, she never saw his face. She remembers the feeling of his arms as he caught her, his heroic rescue of the books, and his victory. She equates him to a prince for she is a huge romantic, and after evaluating her choices in college, proceeds to enlist to the Defense Force. Iku is the first woman ever to put the Defense Force as her first choice, she's driven, and she's extremely tall for a Japanese girl, towering over her instructor. Her instructor, Doujou, seems to always be finding ways to criticize her, and Iku disdains him. It isn't until she gets to know her instructor better, that she realizes he might care more about her than she ever knew, and that her "prince" might be closer than she thought.
Toshokan Sensou-Library Wars in English-started as this Light Novel series, then inspired a manga series, an anime, an anime movie, and a live action movie with a sequel based on the second light novel coming out October 2015. I watched the movie first before realizing there were other ways of watching the series but instantly fell in love. The acting was amazing, the characters were great and the romance wasn't in your face. Just like this book, everything was well done.
Those who have read light novels before will probably tell you how poorly written they are. I have to disagree. You must take into account the fact that this is written in a different style to fit a different culture. Whereas most YA books have plenty of detail, light novels tend to speed forward. They don't waste time describing the color of someone's eyes or how their hair looks or what exact brand of clothing they own, or what kind of tree this is etc. They spend time developing the characters, making you understand the world and politics and rules set up, and make you dive into the thoughts of the characters. It was a different experience. Light novels treat you as intelligent. They assume you as the reader can interpret the surrounding of the story without too much detail. They treat you as an intelligent person. This is not to say that YA treats you as someone of no intelligence, but I have noticed now just how excessive the use of detail is in our books.
The translations of this book were done by Methiliel. This book not licensed in English so there was no way to read it until now. I have to give this translator a huge round of applause. Written Japanese is extremely difficult-believe me, I'm learning it-and the cultural nuances that are not voiced are very difficult to notice unless you already know Japanese. Thankfully, there are footnotes where necessary to inform you of things you should know, such as events in history or why a characters is speaking a certain way and WHY that is important. Methiliel truly deserves so much more attention for this and I cannot thank her enough.
Now, the ROMANCE! XD In Japanese culture, PDA and such things are not so common. It's embarrassing and not done in public, so it is a HUGE deal when two character's set up as potential love interests touch someone-not in a dirty way, you dirty minded people! ;)-or let them cry on their shoulder, or speak in a tone too familiar or call them by their first name. Imagine calling your professor or boss by their first name without a title suddenly and without having known them for long. That's pretty awkward, so when Japanese people call someone by their first name, that's a HUGE deal. It basically implies that the speaker sees you as a true friend-or more than a friend-and is hoping that you as well reciprocate and will become more familiar with them. Sort of. It's really complicated but all you need to know is that this is a monumental thing. As such, there was no kissing in this book, but dear lord that sexual tension was enough to nearly set my computer document file on fire. They needed to do this. And I almost thought it would happen.
Thankfully, what romance there is, is subtle and in no way overrides the plot. The characters all have a part and grow, and characters you think you will hate end up becoming better than you thought.
My only complaint is that after I finished, there was no ending like in the movie. What!? Yep, I honestly believe the movie was better in the last part. As great as the original work is, this is one of those rare cases where the movie did something better than the book. We had this huge showdown. I thought it was going to happen because of what happened near the end, but nope. If you want a REALLY well done fight scene that has romantic tension, a kickass female protagonist, and a real sense of danger, see the ending part of the movie.
Imagine a world where the books we read are considered catalysts for the minds of serial killers. A world where the ideas we express and publish are considered so dangerous, that even stories like Little Red Riding Hood would be taken off of shelves and burned for its "violent content."
Imagine a world where libraries and those who recognized this overblown censorship enlisted to fight for our freedom of expression. Where lives were in danger over censorship unlawfully imposed on us. You might be thinking, "Why in the world would you be willing to die for books?" Well, then you have a lot to think about dear friend. As silly as the concept is, if you actually look into it, this concept of censorship is happening around us all the time. If you don't see the connection of how branding our entertainment as evil influences over our minds, that humans are so weak willed that they would emulate what books had depicted, then you fail to see what makes this story so important.
Kasahara Iku has been waiting to read the last book in a series for 10 YEARS. When she finally gets the chance to buy it, the Improvement Special Agency (part of the Media Improvement Committee who are doing the censorship) storm in to the bookstore. Iku slips the book under her shirt, but suddenly, an enforcer grabs it from her. Iku desperately fights to keep her book. To anyone who understands the pain of waiting for a conclusion to a series, to have their rights violated, I am certain you can understand Iku's feelings and actions, even if the concept of the story might still sound absurd to you. Just as she is shoved to the ground, someone catches her. This man becomes such a prominent figure to Iku that she vows to join the Library Defense Force after he saves all of the books from censorship and returns her the book she had been waiting for 10 years to read.
Problem is, she never saw his face. She remembers the feeling of his arms as he caught her, his heroic rescue of the books, and his victory. She equates him to a prince for she is a huge romantic, and after evaluating her choices in college, proceeds to enlist to the Defense Force. Iku is the first woman ever to put the Defense Force as her first choice, she's driven, and she's extremely tall for a Japanese girl, towering over her instructor. Her instructor, Doujou, seems to always be finding ways to criticize her, and Iku disdains him. It isn't until she gets to know her instructor better, that she realizes he might care more about her than she ever knew, and that her "prince" might be closer than she thought.
Toshokan Sensou-Library Wars in English-started as this Light Novel series, then inspired a manga series, an anime, an anime movie, and a live action movie with a sequel based on the second light novel coming out October 2015. I watched the movie first before realizing there were other ways of watching the series but instantly fell in love. The acting was amazing, the characters were great and the romance wasn't in your face. Just like this book, everything was well done.
Those who have read light novels before will probably tell you how poorly written they are. I have to disagree. You must take into account the fact that this is written in a different style to fit a different culture. Whereas most YA books have plenty of detail, light novels tend to speed forward. They don't waste time describing the color of someone's eyes or how their hair looks or what exact brand of clothing they own, or what kind of tree this is etc. They spend time developing the characters, making you understand the world and politics and rules set up, and make you dive into the thoughts of the characters. It was a different experience. Light novels treat you as intelligent. They assume you as the reader can interpret the surrounding of the story without too much detail. They treat you as an intelligent person. This is not to say that YA treats you as someone of no intelligence, but I have noticed now just how excessive the use of detail is in our books.
The translations of this book were done by Methiliel. This book not licensed in English so there was no way to read it until now. I have to give this translator a huge round of applause. Written Japanese is extremely difficult-believe me, I'm learning it-and the cultural nuances that are not voiced are very difficult to notice unless you already know Japanese. Thankfully, there are footnotes where necessary to inform you of things you should know, such as events in history or why a characters is speaking a certain way and WHY that is important. Methiliel truly deserves so much more attention for this and I cannot thank her enough.
Now, the ROMANCE! XD In Japanese culture, PDA and such things are not so common. It's embarrassing and not done in public, so it is a HUGE deal when two character's set up as potential love interests touch someone-not in a dirty way, you dirty minded people! ;)-or let them cry on their shoulder, or speak in a tone too familiar or call them by their first name. Imagine calling your professor or boss by their first name without a title suddenly and without having known them for long. That's pretty awkward, so when Japanese people call someone by their first name, that's a HUGE deal. It basically implies that the speaker sees you as a true friend-or more than a friend-and is hoping that you as well reciprocate and will become more familiar with them. Sort of. It's really complicated but all you need to know is that this is a monumental thing. As such, there was no kissing in this book, but dear lord that sexual tension was enough to nearly set my computer document file on fire. They needed to do this. And I almost thought it would happen.
Thankfully, what romance there is, is subtle and in no way overrides the plot. The characters all have a part and grow, and characters you think you will hate end up becoming better than you thought.
My only complaint is that after I finished, there was no ending like in the movie. What!? Yep, I honestly believe the movie was better in the last part. As great as the original work is, this is one of those rare cases where the movie did something better than the book. We had this huge showdown. I thought it was going to happen because of what happened near the end, but nope. If you want a REALLY well done fight scene that has romantic tension, a kickass female protagonist, and a real sense of danger, see the ending part of the movie.
March 28, 2014
Very entertaining. This is a light novel actually, but it is very entertaining and page turner. The translation was beautifully done.
I read this after I watch the movie, the anime version series and read the manga, and every version were great works respectively. I enjoyed all of it.
I read this after I watch the movie, the anime version series and read the manga, and every version were great works respectively. I enjoyed all of it.
Read
August 4, 2011友達に薦められて。
最近、亡くなられてた児玉清のインタビュー付き。おれも、あのじいちゃんの声がすきだった。
さて、図書館戦争。児玉清が言うように、たった5条の何の変哲もない図書館宣言から、
ここまで世界観を広げるのはお見事。
ただ、この小説がイイのは、そこじゃない。
友達が言っていたように、これはラブコメだ。
言論の自由やそれを守る図書隊といったお堅い議論を表面上見せてはいるけど、
本流は不器用な主人公の恋愛。筋が分かりやすい分、読んじゃうのだ。
少女マンガみたいな設定も結構好き。
そうすると、会話の端々にあるお堅い議論もわりと面白く読めてしまう。枝葉も生きる。
読んだあと、なるほどっとも思う。
ジョージオーウェルの１９８４も実は同じ。
あれも、ラブロマンスが全体の流れを支えてるから、実は凄い読みやすい。
やっぱり、堅いことを伝えたいって思っていても、小説がエンタメであることを忘れちゃいけないよね。
評論じゃないんだからさ♪
最近、亡くなられてた児玉清のインタビュー付き。おれも、あのじいちゃんの声がすきだった。
さて、図書館戦争。児玉清が言うように、たった5条の何の変哲もない図書館宣言から、
ここまで世界観を広げるのはお見事。
ただ、この小説がイイのは、そこじゃない。
友達が言っていたように、これはラブコメだ。
言論の自由やそれを守る図書隊といったお堅い議論を表面上見せてはいるけど、
本流は不器用な主人公の恋愛。筋が分かりやすい分、読んじゃうのだ。
少女マンガみたいな設定も結構好き。
そうすると、会話の端々にあるお堅い議論もわりと面白く読めてしまう。枝葉も生きる。
読んだあと、なるほどっとも思う。
ジョージオーウェルの１９８４も実は同じ。
あれも、ラブロマンスが全体の流れを支えてるから、実は凄い読みやすい。
やっぱり、堅いことを伝えたいって思っていても、小説がエンタメであることを忘れちゃいけないよね。
評論じゃないんだからさ♪
September 8, 2020
Well, as expected, this is a new favorite of mine!
(You can find a more detailed review in English below.)
Cette série est tellement méconnue dans la communauté manga alors que c'est un must read !
Bon, après j'ai un avis un peu biaisé parce que la raison pour laquelle je me suis lancée là-dedans, c'est que j'ai récemment regardé les adaptations live-action (2 films et un épisode SP) et j'ai adoré. Du coup, le style et tout, ça passe un peu à la trappe, je suis juste contente d'en lire plus.
Enfin, disons que ça ne m'a pas marquée comme étant particulièrement mal écrit ou maladroitement traduit. (Coucou MawaruPenguindrum.)
Mais en tout cas, l'histoire est prenante, et pas totalement irréaliste en soi. Il y a d'ailleurs un côté ironique sur le fait que ça se passe en 2019 (jusqu'à 2020 pour le dernier livre de la série je crois) et que certains événements rappellent très franchement la réalité d'aujourd'hui. Je pense notamment au chapitre centré sur la censure engendrée par l'affaire du tueur en série, car combien de fois on a entendu les gens blâmer les jeux vidéos pour les comportements violents de jeunes personnes ?
Bref, c'est la guerre pour sauver les livres.
J'ai bien aimé la structure de ce premier livre qui constitue une bonne introduction à l'histoire car chaque chapitre est centré sur une affaire qui implique une des lois en particulier, et ça permet de montrer l'étendue de ce que peut accomplir les forces de défense. Et ça permet de laisser une chance à chacun des personnages de briller.
D'ailleurs, ces personnages, ils sont tellement attachants, entre Iku qui fonce sans réfléchir, Shibasaki qui fouine partout, Dojo qui doit se dépatouiller avec les bourdes d'Iku, Komaki qui est toujours prêt à rire des situations, Genda qui a toujours un coup fourré d'avance, et même Tezuka qui parait être le trouduc de service au début montre des points positifs par la suite. En fait, ils se complètent tous super bien à la fois pour appuyer l'histoire que sur le terrain.
En bref, c'est une histoire engageante portée par un bon casting de personnages. J'ai acheté les 4 romans d'un coup, et c'est zéro regret. Vous pouvez être sûrs que je vais me jeter sur la série de mangas dès que j'ai fini (et que j'ai un peu d'argent aussi ^^') et que je vais tout autant les dévorer.
Une grosse recommandation de ma part !
✩
So, hmm, where do I start?
Like I said in a reading update towards the middle of the book, this may not be 100% objective because one of the reasons I picked this book (and the whole series of 4 books actually) was that I recently watched the live-action adaptations (2 movies and a TV special) and that I loved them (which was already a bit biased because I love the cast and I just enjoy more a movie with a cast I like than one I dislike or am just not familiar with). And I tend to similarly enjoy the book when I read it afterwards because I'm already emotionally invested with the characters.
Since I don't think this has been released in English yet (as of September 2020)... Wait no, never mind, I've just checked and the manga version (in 15 volumes, by Kiiro Yumi) has been released by Viz back in 2010 to 2016. Well, here's a short introduction of what the story's about anyway.
The novel version is written by Arikawa Hiro, who's also known for The Travelling Cat Chronicles. It's set in a fictional Japan where censorship is going strong and the government has a special committee dedicated to enforce it, and the only ones who can (legally) stand against them are the librarians, and more specifically the military group called Library Forces. We follow a young woman who joins these forces because they saved her when she was trying to get a book that got banned when she was in high school.
From them on, as the title says, it's war to save books.
Ironically, this is set in 2019 (and goes to 2020 for the last book I think?) and one chapter in particular deals with a serial murderer case that pushes the government (and public opinion to some extent) to blame the books for it, which isn't very far from today's reality and video games constantly being blamed for similar devious behaviours. (The books were written in the early 2000s by the way.)
This precisely makes the story almost too good, too real.
And very worth reading.
In this first book divided in 5 chapters, each chapter basically consists of a small case linked to one of the rules of the librarian laws, which is a fairly good introduction to the series as it showcases the variety of what they can accomplish. It also gives all the characters a chance to shine.
Speaking of characters, can I say of much I love the main cast and their relationships? They all complement each other so well, both to make the book interesting to read and during battle. And I'm definitely Komaki, always there laughing about his friend. 😅
Also, did I mention the beauty of the cover art?
Long story short, I bought all 4 books on a whim and don't regret it one bit. As soon as I'm done with the novels, I'm so gonna need to buy the manga too (when I have enough money for it) and binge read it!
(You can find a more detailed review in English below.)
"Enveloppant Iku de ses bras, Dojo força un passage à travers la cohue. Bien que marchant, il était aussi percutant qu'un bélier. Ah d'accord, il suffisait de leur rentrer dans le lard !"
Cette série est tellement méconnue dans la communauté manga alors que c'est un must read !
Bon, après j'ai un avis un peu biaisé parce que la raison pour laquelle je me suis lancée là-dedans, c'est que j'ai récemment regardé les adaptations live-action (2 films et un épisode SP) et j'ai adoré. Du coup, le style et tout, ça passe un peu à la trappe, je suis juste contente d'en lire plus.
Enfin, disons que ça ne m'a pas marquée comme étant particulièrement mal écrit ou maladroitement traduit. (Coucou MawaruPenguindrum.)
Mais en tout cas, l'histoire est prenante, et pas totalement irréaliste en soi. Il y a d'ailleurs un côté ironique sur le fait que ça se passe en 2019 (jusqu'à 2020 pour le dernier livre de la série je crois) et que certains événements rappellent très franchement la réalité d'aujourd'hui. Je pense notamment au chapitre centré sur la censure engendrée par l'affaire du tueur en série, car combien de fois on a entendu les gens blâmer les jeux vidéos pour les comportements violents de jeunes personnes ?
Bref, c'est la guerre pour sauver les livres.
J'ai bien aimé la structure de ce premier livre qui constitue une bonne introduction à l'histoire car chaque chapitre est centré sur une affaire qui implique une des lois en particulier, et ça permet de montrer l'étendue de ce que peut accomplir les forces de défense. Et ça permet de laisser une chance à chacun des personnages de briller.
D'ailleurs, ces personnages, ils sont tellement attachants, entre Iku qui fonce sans réfléchir, Shibasaki qui fouine partout, Dojo qui doit se dépatouiller avec les bourdes d'Iku, Komaki qui est toujours prêt à rire des situations, Genda qui a toujours un coup fourré d'avance, et même Tezuka qui parait être le trouduc de service au début montre des points positifs par la suite. En fait, ils se complètent tous super bien à la fois pour appuyer l'histoire que sur le terrain.
En bref, c'est une histoire engageante portée par un bon casting de personnages. J'ai acheté les 4 romans d'un coup, et c'est zéro regret. Vous pouvez être sûrs que je vais me jeter sur la série de mangas dès que j'ai fini (et que j'ai un peu d'argent aussi ^^') et que je vais tout autant les dévorer.
Une grosse recommandation de ma part !
✩
So, hmm, where do I start?
Like I said in a reading update towards the middle of the book, this may not be 100% objective because one of the reasons I picked this book (and the whole series of 4 books actually) was that I recently watched the live-action adaptations (2 movies and a TV special) and that I loved them (which was already a bit biased because I love the cast and I just enjoy more a movie with a cast I like than one I dislike or am just not familiar with). And I tend to similarly enjoy the book when I read it afterwards because I'm already emotionally invested with the characters.
Since I don't think this has been released in English yet (as of September 2020)... Wait no, never mind, I've just checked and the manga version (in 15 volumes, by Kiiro Yumi) has been released by Viz back in 2010 to 2016. Well, here's a short introduction of what the story's about anyway.
The novel version is written by Arikawa Hiro, who's also known for The Travelling Cat Chronicles. It's set in a fictional Japan where censorship is going strong and the government has a special committee dedicated to enforce it, and the only ones who can (legally) stand against them are the librarians, and more specifically the military group called Library Forces. We follow a young woman who joins these forces because they saved her when she was trying to get a book that got banned when she was in high school.
From them on, as the title says, it's war to save books.
Ironically, this is set in 2019 (and goes to 2020 for the last book I think?) and one chapter in particular deals with a serial murderer case that pushes the government (and public opinion to some extent) to blame the books for it, which isn't very far from today's reality and video games constantly being blamed for similar devious behaviours. (The books were written in the early 2000s by the way.)
This precisely makes the story almost too good, too real.
And very worth reading.
In this first book divided in 5 chapters, each chapter basically consists of a small case linked to one of the rules of the librarian laws, which is a fairly good introduction to the series as it showcases the variety of what they can accomplish. It also gives all the characters a chance to shine.
Speaking of characters, can I say of much I love the main cast and their relationships? They all complement each other so well, both to make the book interesting to read and during battle. And I'm definitely Komaki, always there laughing about his friend. 😅
Also, did I mention the beauty of the cover art?
Long story short, I bought all 4 books on a whim and don't regret it one bit. As soon as I'm done with the novels, I'm so gonna need to buy the manga too (when I have enough money for it) and binge read it!
August 2, 2011
Toshokan Sensou, the novel the manga Library Wars: Love and War is based on. It's a fun read. The inner workings of the Library Task Force and the characters are more fully fleshed out, obviously. My favorite characters are Shibasaki and Doujou, who are far more interesting than in the manga.
August 24, 2016
Super duper interesting and I loved reading this series!~
May 6, 2021
I love this story in all of its forms, but the book might be my favorite. (The manga is the most "enjoyable," but doesn't have a chance to address the politics and social commentary as much as the book.)
To pitch the plot: It's a near-future Japanese society on the edge of an Orwellian control of published materials, but the libraries have banded together to protect themselves. The main character is naive about the deep politics of the "Media Betterment Act" and the dark history that led to the libraries' militarization. However, after a mysterious hero saves her long-awaited book from confiscation, Iku Kasahara decides to join the library defense force for herself and stand up for everyone's right to enjoy reading. She soon learns that her idealism is a rare attribute in the force as she constantly butts heads with her supervising officer, Atsushi Dojo. However, his gruff appearance may not be all that it first seems. Filled with "Politics, Censorship, and a Deeply Entertaining Love Story," this first volume introduces a highly complex world with endearing and complex characters. I'm itching to pick up the second in the series since this one only scratches the surface of what everyone is capable of. (For those who find Iku's ignorance annoying, hold on. She is an absolute breath of fresh air as time goes on.)
Definitely not a perfect book. Even as it addresses sexism in the workplace (especially as relates to Japan) there were still a lot of phrases and expectations from most characters about gender roles that could be a bit irksome at times. That being said, Iku's unending drive, passion, and sense of justice is distinctly "her" rather than being a cardboard cutout feminist icon. It's hard not to fall in love with her and the rest of the cast along the way.
I have a huge soft-spot for this series because of the manga/movies, but I was surprised at how much the book actually teaches the reader about critical thinking skills. There's discussions of bias in survey writing, counterproductive "win-lose" mentality, and how personal experiences deeply shape one's perspective on current events. While Iku herself has a very black-and-white way of looking at the world, the nuances of the situations and her coworkers' various reactions give the book more depth and breadth than I would from expect from a series that I think primarily of as a "romance." (More like this please!)
To pitch the plot: It's a near-future Japanese society on the edge of an Orwellian control of published materials, but the libraries have banded together to protect themselves. The main character is naive about the deep politics of the "Media Betterment Act" and the dark history that led to the libraries' militarization. However, after a mysterious hero saves her long-awaited book from confiscation, Iku Kasahara decides to join the library defense force for herself and stand up for everyone's right to enjoy reading. She soon learns that her idealism is a rare attribute in the force as she constantly butts heads with her supervising officer, Atsushi Dojo. However, his gruff appearance may not be all that it first seems. Filled with "Politics, Censorship, and a Deeply Entertaining Love Story," this first volume introduces a highly complex world with endearing and complex characters. I'm itching to pick up the second in the series since this one only scratches the surface of what everyone is capable of. (For those who find Iku's ignorance annoying, hold on. She is an absolute breath of fresh air as time goes on.)
Definitely not a perfect book. Even as it addresses sexism in the workplace (especially as relates to Japan) there were still a lot of phrases and expectations from most characters about gender roles that could be a bit irksome at times. That being said, Iku's unending drive, passion, and sense of justice is distinctly "her" rather than being a cardboard cutout feminist icon. It's hard not to fall in love with her and the rest of the cast along the way.
I have a huge soft-spot for this series because of the manga/movies, but I was surprised at how much the book actually teaches the reader about critical thinking skills. There's discussions of bias in survey writing, counterproductive "win-lose" mentality, and how personal experiences deeply shape one's perspective on current events. While Iku herself has a very black-and-white way of looking at the world, the nuances of the situations and her coworkers' various reactions give the book more depth and breadth than I would from expect from a series that I think primarily of as a "romance." (More like this please!)
February 7, 2022
Je n'avais pas particulièrement apprécié ma lecture de la série manga Library wars - Love and War, Tome 1 et je comprends maintenant: pour moi, le problème du manga fut le choix d'avoir opté pour le style shojo pour le dessin, alors que les enjeux de la série sont beaucoup plus profonds, pour l'instant, l'histoire d'amour n'est même pas au centre de cette série!
Nous sommes dans une dystopie. Le Japon vit depuis 30 ans avec une Loi d'Amélioration qui autorise un Comité gouvernemental à censurer les oeuvres, à les saisir si l'on considère qu'elles menacent la morale et influencent négativement la société. Toutefois, comme on est en "démocratie", les bibliothèques publiques sont exemptées, protégées par une autre Loi qui autorise quiconque y entre à consulter tous les livres, sans concession, et qui protège également leur confidentialité.
On s'entend que cela ne fait pas plaisir aux partisans de la morale, aux défenseurs autoproclamés qui se battent contre la "décadence" des livres. Les bibliothèques ont donc dû s'armer pour avoir une Force d'autodéfense. Avec ce résumé, on comprend déjà que les enjeux politiques, les débats moraux et éthiques seront au programme.
Au milieu de cette discussion sur ce qui est "bon et mauvais" de lire, on a cette femme qui intègre, pour la première fois, la Force d'autodéfense. Elle n'est pas la meilleure étudiante et elle a négligé l'étude du contexte (ce qui permet à l'auteure d'expliquer au lecteur en même temps qu'on fait l'éducation de cette "idiote" = ce n'est pas mes mots). Mais elle est déterminée et fort agile, ayant un corps d'athlète qui surpasse plusieurs de ses collègues. Ce qui donne donc des situations intéressantes sur ce qu'elle peut apporter à l'équipe, comment se servir du fait qu'elle est la seule femme du groupe, tout en ne la surprotégeant pas... Chaque chapitre (5 dans ce tome 1) traite d'un thème précis, d'une aventure. Et c'est fort bien raconté.
Seul hic pour les francophones hors France: la traduction est très régionale "française", on a choisi des expressions familières pour les Français (zapper, chouchoute, vanner, "il suffisait de leur rentrer dans le lard" p.115). Ça me met toujours un peu mal à l'aise d'entendre des Japonais discuter avec un accent français aussi prononcé! Je devrai apprendre à lire en japonais, voilà une motivation de plus!
Mais c'est une série que je veux définitivement poursuivre.
Nous sommes dans une dystopie. Le Japon vit depuis 30 ans avec une Loi d'Amélioration qui autorise un Comité gouvernemental à censurer les oeuvres, à les saisir si l'on considère qu'elles menacent la morale et influencent négativement la société. Toutefois, comme on est en "démocratie", les bibliothèques publiques sont exemptées, protégées par une autre Loi qui autorise quiconque y entre à consulter tous les livres, sans concession, et qui protège également leur confidentialité.
On s'entend que cela ne fait pas plaisir aux partisans de la morale, aux défenseurs autoproclamés qui se battent contre la "décadence" des livres. Les bibliothèques ont donc dû s'armer pour avoir une Force d'autodéfense. Avec ce résumé, on comprend déjà que les enjeux politiques, les débats moraux et éthiques seront au programme.
Au milieu de cette discussion sur ce qui est "bon et mauvais" de lire, on a cette femme qui intègre, pour la première fois, la Force d'autodéfense. Elle n'est pas la meilleure étudiante et elle a négligé l'étude du contexte (ce qui permet à l'auteure d'expliquer au lecteur en même temps qu'on fait l'éducation de cette "idiote" = ce n'est pas mes mots). Mais elle est déterminée et fort agile, ayant un corps d'athlète qui surpasse plusieurs de ses collègues. Ce qui donne donc des situations intéressantes sur ce qu'elle peut apporter à l'équipe, comment se servir du fait qu'elle est la seule femme du groupe, tout en ne la surprotégeant pas... Chaque chapitre (5 dans ce tome 1) traite d'un thème précis, d'une aventure. Et c'est fort bien raconté.
Seul hic pour les francophones hors France: la traduction est très régionale "française", on a choisi des expressions familières pour les Français (zapper, chouchoute, vanner, "il suffisait de leur rentrer dans le lard" p.115). Ça me met toujours un peu mal à l'aise d'entendre des Japonais discuter avec un accent français aussi prononcé! Je devrai apprendre à lire en japonais, voilà une motivation de plus!
Mais c'est une série que je veux définitivement poursuivre.
August 26, 2025
Un livre que je lis et relis depuis que je suis toute petite.
J'ai consommé toutes les adaptations existantes de Library Wars et c'est toujours un plaisir que de retrouver ce monde et ses personnages.
Cependant, étant donné que j'ai beaucoup grandi depuis ma dernière lecture (qui remonte, je pense, au moins à la troisième), j'ai trouvé l'écriture très enfantine, ce qui a un peu gâché l'expérience de lecture.
Au-delà de l'écriture, l'univers, celui d'un monde fictif où la liberté de lire est mise en danger, reste extrêmement bien construit et inquiétant. Ce monde qui, plus petite, me paraissait dystopique et impossible semble aujourd'hui plus probable. Je pense notamment à la récente chasse aux livres en Amérique, où des livres comme 1984 ou The Handmaid's Tale ont été censurés dans les écoles par Trump. Ou encore aux réécritures de livres où les textes originaux ont été modifiés pour qu'ils soient "appréciables par tous"...
Dans la Postface, l'auteur écrit "En tout cas, pourvu que le monde ne devienne jamais comme celui que je décris.", mais aujourd'hui, rien n'est plus sûr.
"Là où on brûle des livres, on finit par brûler des hommes.", Heinrich Heine
J'ai consommé toutes les adaptations existantes de Library Wars et c'est toujours un plaisir que de retrouver ce monde et ses personnages.
Cependant, étant donné que j'ai beaucoup grandi depuis ma dernière lecture (qui remonte, je pense, au moins à la troisième), j'ai trouvé l'écriture très enfantine, ce qui a un peu gâché l'expérience de lecture.
Au-delà de l'écriture, l'univers, celui d'un monde fictif où la liberté de lire est mise en danger, reste extrêmement bien construit et inquiétant. Ce monde qui, plus petite, me paraissait dystopique et impossible semble aujourd'hui plus probable. Je pense notamment à la récente chasse aux livres en Amérique, où des livres comme 1984 ou The Handmaid's Tale ont été censurés dans les écoles par Trump. Ou encore aux réécritures de livres où les textes originaux ont été modifiés pour qu'ils soient "appréciables par tous"...
Dans la Postface, l'auteur écrit "En tout cas, pourvu que le monde ne devienne jamais comme celui que je décris.", mais aujourd'hui, rien n'est plus sûr.
"Là où on brûle des livres, on finit par brûler des hommes.", Heinrich Heine
September 8, 2018
部份言論管制的國家
還有合法的有限規模內戰
總覺得只有日本人想的出這種怪點子啊~
情節雖然輕鬆，但對言論自由的探討是挺有深度的
以小說輕快的步調而言
還滿適合當青少年的啟發讀物
但願青少年還願意看書
還有合法的有限規模內戰
總覺得只有日本人想的出這種怪點子啊~
情節雖然輕鬆，但對言論自由的探討是挺有深度的
以小說輕快的步調而言
還滿適合當青少年的啟發讀物
但願青少年還願意看書
September 4, 2015
Sebuah buku yang menceritakan tentang kebebasan perpustakaan sebagai pusat informasi dan sensor yang melanda media Jepang. Alkisah, kebebasan berekspresi di Jepang khususnya dalam membaca dan mendapatkan informasi dibatasi dan terdapat dua kelompok yang menunjukkan pendapatnya mengenai hal tersebut dengan latar tahun Seika 31 (2019).
Kelompok yang mendukung gerakan ini disebut Media Betterment Committee, mereka rajin merazia toko buku yang menjual materi media terlarang dan menghentikan sirkulasi informasi yang terlarang. Sedangkan kelompok yang menolak adalah Library Defense Force, sebuah angkatan bersenjata yang tidak hanya menjaga perpustakaan, juga menjaga sirkulasi informasi terbuka untuk masyarakat dengan bebas.
Latar belakang buku ini menceritakan tentang seorang wanita muda bernama Kasahara Iku yang menjadi wanita pertama di Jepang yang masuk dalam satuan elit Library Defense Force, Task Force. Saat Kasahara menjadi siswa SMA, ia mengalami pengalaman dirazia di toko buku yang ditutp karena menjual konten media yang dilarang oleh Media Betterment Committee. Berdasarkan pengalamannya itu, ia memutuskan menjadi anggota Library Defense Force di wilayah regional Kantou (pusatnya di Tokyo). Tetapi ia yang terkenal polos dan ceroboh berusaha memahami esensi menjadi bagian Task Force dan bersaing dengan Tedzuka Hikaru, mengikuti arahan instruktur sekaligus atasannya yaitu Dojo Atsushi dan Komaki Mikihisa serta Genda Ryuusuke dan menikmati kehidupan sehari-harinya di asrama dengan teman sekamarnya, Shibasaki Asako.
Secara keseluruhan, buku ini tak sekedar mengajarkan pentingnya kerja keras dan mendengarkan orang lain. Tetapi juga mengajarkan pentingnya buku dan perpustakaan demi peradaban suatu negara. Sebuah pesan yang unik dan menyadarkan kita fungsi buku sebagai jendela dunia dan perpustakaan sebagai tempat yang tak sekedar meminjam dan mengembalikan buku, tetapi juga sebagai pusat dari penyebaran informasi dan kebebasan berekspresi yang bertanggungjawab.
Kelompok yang mendukung gerakan ini disebut Media Betterment Committee, mereka rajin merazia toko buku yang menjual materi media terlarang dan menghentikan sirkulasi informasi yang terlarang. Sedangkan kelompok yang menolak adalah Library Defense Force, sebuah angkatan bersenjata yang tidak hanya menjaga perpustakaan, juga menjaga sirkulasi informasi terbuka untuk masyarakat dengan bebas.
Latar belakang buku ini menceritakan tentang seorang wanita muda bernama Kasahara Iku yang menjadi wanita pertama di Jepang yang masuk dalam satuan elit Library Defense Force, Task Force. Saat Kasahara menjadi siswa SMA, ia mengalami pengalaman dirazia di toko buku yang ditutp karena menjual konten media yang dilarang oleh Media Betterment Committee. Berdasarkan pengalamannya itu, ia memutuskan menjadi anggota Library Defense Force di wilayah regional Kantou (pusatnya di Tokyo). Tetapi ia yang terkenal polos dan ceroboh berusaha memahami esensi menjadi bagian Task Force dan bersaing dengan Tedzuka Hikaru, mengikuti arahan instruktur sekaligus atasannya yaitu Dojo Atsushi dan Komaki Mikihisa serta Genda Ryuusuke dan menikmati kehidupan sehari-harinya di asrama dengan teman sekamarnya, Shibasaki Asako.
Secara keseluruhan, buku ini tak sekedar mengajarkan pentingnya kerja keras dan mendengarkan orang lain. Tetapi juga mengajarkan pentingnya buku dan perpustakaan demi peradaban suatu negara. Sebuah pesan yang unik dan menyadarkan kita fungsi buku sebagai jendela dunia dan perpustakaan sebagai tempat yang tak sekedar meminjam dan mengembalikan buku, tetapi juga sebagai pusat dari penyebaran informasi dan kebebasan berekspresi yang bertanggungjawab.
March 12, 2014
"圖書館的自由被侵犯之時，吾輩必團結力守自由" which is my favorite part of the proclamation of the freedom of library.
I think what makes this series successful is that Hiro Arikawa has blended the serious topics and the romantic comedy between Dojo and Kasahara perfectly. Also it grips my heart as the freedom of speech is being suppressed, which is pretty similar to the situation in Hong Kong. Maybe we should think, what can we do in order to protect to freedom of speech and mind?
I think what makes this series successful is that Hiro Arikawa has blended the serious topics and the romantic comedy between Dojo and Kasahara perfectly. Also it grips my heart as the freedom of speech is being suppressed, which is pretty similar to the situation in Hong Kong. Maybe we should think, what can we do in order to protect to freedom of speech and mind?
October 30, 2014
This is the best book ever made! The romance is killing me! i got so many people into this great book and all had the same review about it! I' only up to book 12 but im gonna keep reading! ive read all eleven books 5 times! i never get sick of it! im even re-reading it now! once the 12th book comes out i shall re-read it again making it my seventh time!i hope they make more books like this in the future!
April 22, 2022
This book is honestly such a beautiful creation! The world building is perfect, and the characters are so unique and interesting. The concept is one I've never seen around before, so of course I was drawn in immediately. With beautiful plot twists and and an amazing story line, this book will be an amazing ride from beginning to end.
September 1, 2016
Drama, action, comedy and romance, all with the classic japanese flavour. The story describes the path of Library Force member Kasahara Iku, goes through in her wish to protect books, in a time when censorship has become an armed battle.
Excellent if you are a bookworm and enjoy action and romance and of course, sagas.
Excellent if you are a bookworm and enjoy action and romance and of course, sagas.
December 5, 2014
The best Japanese novel I hv ever read!!!! Not only have the interesting storyline, but also provide some deep thinking on the censorship, freedom of speech, how to define justice, love and wars!!! Really awesome!!! いつの間 私は 熱血なっでしました！！一番好きな台詞は 堂上の 「正論は正しい、だが正論を武器にする奴は正しいくない。」Food for thinking!!!
May 14, 2012
展開はベタだけど、きゅんきゅんする。
January 8, 2016
Very, very cute, and adds a few details that don't make it into the manga. I will say that I didn't read this is Japanese--I found a fan translation online, and it was very well done.
May 30, 2017
I read a really good translation of this online at http://toshosen-tsl.livejournal.com/2...
Check it out!
Check it out!
January 2, 2023
十幾年前就知道《圖書館戰爭》這部名作，但遲至現在才找來讀。劇情敘述日本在昭和年代通過侵害人權的「媒體優質化法」以及與之抗衡而生的「圖書館的自由法」的架空世界觀，但凡優質化特務機關依照前者法律要取締圖書，圖書館亦必須依照後者法律採取對策保護圖書資料，兩方於明於暗的拉鋸戰讓已被往下調整的人權基準維持在一個恐怖平衡。圖書館陣營既不讓優質化特務更進一步的踐踏圖書館守護資料的自由，但現階段他們也無法讓大眾對於圖書資料的自由基準往上攀伸，產生廣泛而明確的民意推動民意代表重新修法，只能用一次又一次的武裝抗暴和政治攻防，來抵禦媒體優質化對於圖書自由的侵略。
劇情以主角笠原郁的家書「被志願中的圖書館錄取之後，我現在——每天都致力於參加軍事訓練。」（頁十八）如此矛盾而衝擊的開場令我一瞬間感到困惑。說起「圖書館」，腦海裡產生的畫面是恬靜又有些肅穆的場合，而「軍事訓練」則是在戶外訓練掌控武器的運用，或者穿著軍裝跟一群同袍鍛鍊身體和體術的印象。總之這兩個詞彙帶給我的感受天差地遠，我從來沒有想過「圖書館」跟「軍事訓練」竟然是可以放在一起的存在。
我很難想像為了幾本書的存續與否，兩個公家單位不惜用上各種兵器引發戰爭，甚至殺死對手也在所不惜。雖然臺灣的現實生活中有類似的事件可以代換，可若是主張相左的兩方有所衝突，多半也是透過文字和談話你來我往的辯論，幾乎不太會爆發成大規模的武裝衝突，也很難想像會有人挺身而出，不惜透過軍事手段也要守護書籍，而國家的法律也默許雙方在這種前提下出現傷亡。因此，起初我仍無法徹底投入《圖書館戰爭》的世界觀，我無法理解為了書拚上全副身家的這份精神從何而來。
讀這本書的過程裡，看著圖書館內部與外部勢力交手的過程，我試著轉換思考「如果是我的話，有什麼絕對不能退讓的事物？」、「並且深知如果同意退讓這道底線後，對手不會滿足於此，反而繼續軟土深掘我們的生存空間來拉抬他們的權力和滿足他們的慾望？」從這個角度出發，我感覺自己似乎比較能同理圖書館防衛員的信念了。不只是要堅持守住目前的底線，亦是為了避免敵人趁自己沒有留意之際，悄悄地將我們的底線往有利於他們的方向拉。為此，對於敵人保持永恆的警戒和抗衡實力是必要付出的心血。
書籍、資料都只是一個載體，更深一層的是對國民思想結晶的限制，今天優質媒體化特務機關可以憑個人主觀意識說你的書籍違法，明天也可以隨意地指責任何人事物有罪，而且這個判斷標準是浮動的，沒有客觀明確的準則。大部份的圖書館員應該都很明白如果讓國民對媒體優質化法習以為常，習慣會麻痺己方的警戒心，認為「也還好吧。又不影響我的生活」而不去在乎，在更嚴重的權益侵害明顯惡化自己的生活之前，無法想像媒體優質化法持續進行可能會帶來什麼負面影響。為了避免這底線準被特務機關偷換概念進一步侵門踏戶，讓本屬於人人都有的權益底線持續被破壞下墜，圖書館員都是如此堅持戮力精進自我，努力去跟特務機關長期抗戰的吧。
透過《圖書館戰爭》的世界觀裡，體會主角面臨的社會環境和培養出來的價值觀，以及在這個對思想和言論管制的合法政治體制下，採取怎麼樣的行動活下去？劇情描繪不僅是側重硬派的政治攻防或軍事衝突，藉由各種小型事件烘托出這種假設世界真實存在的話，會是怎麼樣的日常光景？而為了對抗同意媒體優質化立場的團體和民意，認可圖書館信念的人有些會採取武力抗衡強行保護，有些會採取懷柔對話，藉由溝通理解不同陣營的想法，取得彼此能夠接受的界線。前者的案例如書籍隨時有可能被突擊檢閱沒收，出版社必須一開始就把這方面的潛在成本估算進去，最後消費者可能必須花上千塊才能買到一本平裝本書籍；後者則可從木村悠馬、吉川大河投入研討會活動的事前問卷調查和過程中的協商看見。
有川浩藉由這個世界觀拋出來的政治議題很值得深思。雖然故事蘊含著嚴肅的議題內核，但全文以對圖書防衛員這個職務抱持著憧憬和衝勁的青年女子笠原郁展開，和個人特質鮮明的同仁與上司的磨合中彰顯出他們的課題，期間又佐以笠原郁與上司堂上篤的歡樂喜劇互動，調劑了不少故事的氣氛，看著圖書防衛員們在跌跌撞撞中成長，培養出深厚的羈絆與同事愛，讀來青春又熱血。笠原郁對高中時拯救她與愛書的「王子」抱持著嚮往而踏上這一行，是因為這種橋段很常見的緣故嗎？讀到這一段回憶和動機，腦海裡莫名浮現小時候看《烏龍派出所》和《名偵探柯南》的情節：擬寶珠纏也是因為穿著劍道服的兩津勘吉拯救她和朋友，決定成為警察；白鳥警官小時候幫忙小林老師，後被小林老師對櫻花和警察的解讀感動，才改變志願當上警察。
《圖書館戰爭》基本上是以笠原郁的視角去詮釋事件，直到後面笠原和稻嶺司令遇險，才有心急如焚的堂上篤視角，將笠原郁不知曉的另一面回憶鋪展開來。看著堂上的內心獨白，我的嘴角無法克制的向上揚起，對知情的當事人而言真是有夠尷尬，簡直公開處刑。當眾聽著笠原面試時的熱情宣言，堂上應該想買張波蘭機票或是挖個洞把自己埋進去吧。至此，讀者終於可以理解堂上對待下屬笠原既標準嚴苛又在關鍵時刻溫柔以待的複雜心理掙扎，也能明白其他知情同事應該都是含笑看著這對歡喜冤家的心情。一個是扮著黑臉掩飾無法不去在乎對方存在和主張的自己；一個是在出生入死的扶持裡漸漸將信賴深植於對方身上。第二次讀這本書，如果用堂上的心理去看待他和笠原的互動，肯定能讀出更多酸酸甜甜又不令人不知所措的情愫吧。
＊劃線筆記：
頁二五六至頁二五七
「要叫那些覺得麻煩的人別這麼想，是徒勞無功的事。而且一定會存在懶得幫忙的人喲。與其抱怨人家應該要出力，去思考如何讓不想出力的人幫助你的方法，不是較有建設性得多了？對非親非故的別人有所要求時，抱持著安逸的想法：『他們該協助我』或者『會協助我吧』的傢伙，絕對會失敗的。要得到別人的協助，不該只作期待或要囚，而是要巧妙地引導對方才是喔。」
頁三零六
糾纏著人家撒嬌說那份工作比這份工作好做，那才是小孩子的任性耍賴。自己的工作都無法完成的傢伙，沒有向他人要求相信自己的權利。
劇情以主角笠原郁的家書「被志願中的圖書館錄取之後，我現在——每天都致力於參加軍事訓練。」（頁十八）如此矛盾而衝擊的開場令我一瞬間感到困惑。說起「圖書館」，腦海裡產生的畫面是恬靜又有些肅穆的場合，而「軍事訓練」則是在戶外訓練掌控武器的運用，或者穿著軍裝跟一群同袍鍛鍊身體和體術的印象。總之這兩個詞彙帶給我的感受天差地遠，我從來沒有想過「圖書館」跟「軍事訓練」竟然是可以放在一起的存在。
我很難想像為了幾本書的存續與否，兩個公家單位不惜用上各種兵器引發戰爭，甚至殺死對手也在所不惜。雖然臺灣的現實生活中有類似的事件可以代換，可若是主張相左的兩方有所衝突，多半也是透過文字和談話你來我往的辯論，幾乎不太會爆發成大規模的武裝衝突，也很難想像會有人挺身而出，不惜透過軍事手段也要守護書籍，而國家的法律也默許雙方在這種前提下出現傷亡。因此，起初我仍無法徹底投入《圖書館戰爭》的世界觀，我無法理解為了書拚上全副身家的這份精神從何而來。
讀這本書的過程裡，看著圖書館內部與外部勢力交手的過程，我試著轉換思考「如果是我的話，有什麼絕對不能退讓的事物？」、「並且深知如果同意退讓這道底線後，對手不會滿足於此，反而繼續軟土深掘我們的生存空間來拉抬他們的權力和滿足他們的慾望？」從這個角度出發，我感覺自己似乎比較能同理圖書館防衛員的信念了。不只是要堅持守住目前的底線，亦是為了避免敵人趁自己沒有留意之際，悄悄地將我們的底線往有利於他們的方向拉。為此，對於敵人保持永恆的警戒和抗衡實力是必要付出的心血。
書籍、資料都只是一個載體，更深一層的是對國民思想結晶的限制，今天優質媒體化特務機關可以憑個人主觀意識說你的書籍違法，明天也可以隨意地指責任何人事物有罪，而且這個判斷標準是浮動的，沒有客觀明確的準則。大部份的圖書館員應該都很明白如果讓國民對媒體優質化法習以為常，習慣會麻痺己方的警戒心，認為「也還好吧。又不影響我的生活」而不去在乎，在更嚴重的權益侵害明顯惡化自己的生活之前，無法想像媒體優質化法持續進行可能會帶來什麼負面影響。為了避免這底線準被特務機關偷換概念進一步侵門踏戶，讓本屬於人人都有的權益底線持續被破壞下墜，圖書館員都是如此堅持戮力精進自我，努力去跟特務機關長期抗戰的吧。
透過《圖書館戰爭》的世界觀裡，體會主角面臨的社會環境和培養出來的價值觀，以及在這個對思想和言論管制的合法政治體制下，採取怎麼樣的行動活下去？劇情描繪不僅是側重硬派的政治攻防或軍事衝突，藉由各種小型事件烘托出這種假設世界真實存在的話，會是怎麼樣的日常光景？而為了對抗同意媒體優質化立場的團體和民意，認可圖書館信念的人有些會採取武力抗衡強行保護，有些會採取懷柔對話，藉由溝通理解不同陣營的想法，取得彼此能夠接受的界線。前者的案例如書籍隨時有可能被突擊檢閱沒收，出版社必須一開始就把這方面的潛在成本估算進去，最後消費者可能必須花上千塊才能買到一本平裝本書籍；後者則可從木村悠馬、吉川大河投入研討會活動的事前問卷調查和過程中的協商看見。
有川浩藉由這個世界觀拋出來的政治議題很值得深思。雖然故事蘊含著嚴肅的議題內核，但全文以對圖書防衛員這個職務抱持著憧憬和衝勁的青年女子笠原郁展開，和個人特質鮮明的同仁與上司的磨合中彰顯出他們的課題，期間又佐以笠原郁與上司堂上篤的歡樂喜劇互動，調劑了不少故事的氣氛，看著圖書防衛員們在跌跌撞撞中成長，培養出深厚的羈絆與同事愛，讀來青春又熱血。笠原郁對高中時拯救她與愛書的「王子」抱持著嚮往而踏上這一行，是因為這種橋段很常見的緣故嗎？讀到這一段回憶和動機，腦海裡莫名浮現小時候看《烏龍派出所》和《名偵探柯南》的情節：擬寶珠纏也是因為穿著劍道服的兩津勘吉拯救她和朋友，決定成為警察；白鳥警官小時候幫忙小林老師，後被小林老師對櫻花和警察的解讀感動，才改變志願當上警察。
《圖書館戰爭》基本上是以笠原郁的視角去詮釋事件，直到後面笠原和稻嶺司令遇險，才有心急如焚的堂上篤視角，將笠原郁不知曉的另一面回憶鋪展開來。看著堂上的內心獨白，我的嘴角無法克制的向上揚起，對知情的當事人而言真是有夠尷尬，簡直公開處刑。當眾聽著笠原面試時的熱情宣言，堂上應該想買張波蘭機票或是挖個洞把自己埋進去吧。至此，讀者終於可以理解堂上對待下屬笠原既標準嚴苛又在關鍵時刻溫柔以待的複雜心理掙扎，也能明白其他知情同事應該都是含笑看著這對歡喜冤家的心情。一個是扮著黑臉掩飾無法不去在乎對方存在和主張的自己；一個是在出生入死的扶持裡漸漸將信賴深植於對方身上。第二次讀這本書，如果用堂上的心理去看待他和笠原的互動，肯定能讀出更多酸酸甜甜又不令人不知所措的情愫吧。
＊劃線筆記：
頁二五六至頁二五七
「要叫那些覺得麻煩的人別這麼想，是徒勞無功的事。而且一定會存在懶得幫忙的人喲。與其抱怨人家應該要出力，去思考如何讓不想出力的人幫助你的方法，不是較有建設性得多了？對非親非故的別人有所要求時，抱持著安逸的想法：『他們該協助我』或者『會協助我吧』的傢伙，絕對會失敗的。要得到別人的協助，不該只作期待或要囚，而是要巧妙地引導對方才是喔。」
頁三零六
糾纏著人家撒嬌說那份工作比這份工作好做，那才是小孩子的任性耍賴。自己的工作都無法完成的傢伙，沒有向他人要求相信自己的權利。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2018
4.5 stars
When I saw the title, I knew I would love this book!
I loved the idea of librairies obliged to get an army to defend books, and the liberty to read without censorship. It was great! I loved to discover the organisation of the libraries, and of the army. But I would have like more details about some elements.
I loved most of the characters; not from the beginning, but I grew attached to them. At the end, I loved the group, and wanted to keep being a part of it. I don't tend to like hate-to-love or love-to-hate relationships, but I was really into the lovestory here. Like, at the end, I wanted them to be together. I also had a hard time with Iku, who's quite irresponsible, boisterous, spontaneous, and so naiiiiiiiive! She doesn't understand when big things are coming/happening, doesn't understand the real purpose of the institution she is engaging with, doesn't understand the characters around her, doesn't understand what they feeeeeeel! She was quite annoying, to say the least. Like I rolled my eyes a couple of times. But she is also a great female character for what she represents. She is also capable of re-evaluate (just a little) what she thinks or how she acts; but she is too arrogant to admit it. Hope she grows up in the second book! I grew fond of her all the same throughout the novel. I loved Shibasaki at once: she is honest, frank, and funny! Also liked Komaki. As for Dojo, it was a little like Iku: a little too much. I had a problem with his attitude, like he acted like that just for the sake of the romance; but the ending explained it all, so, half-forgiven!
Like I said, I liked the nascent romance, even if I'm not a big fan of them usually. It didn't bother me.
The action was well described, even if I wanted more details, mostly during the battle at the end!
Only problem: the writing style. It is not bad, but it is not very good either. Maybe it is because of the translation; I'm pretty sure we lose something sometimes. The traductor partly rewrites to be understood by the readers. But maybe, in Japanese, the writing isn't really good either; I'll never know!
I'll keep reading this series!!
When I saw the title, I knew I would love this book!
I loved the idea of librairies obliged to get an army to defend books, and the liberty to read without censorship. It was great! I loved to discover the organisation of the libraries, and of the army. But I would have like more details about some elements.
I loved most of the characters; not from the beginning, but I grew attached to them. At the end, I loved the group, and wanted to keep being a part of it. I don't tend to like hate-to-love or love-to-hate relationships, but I was really into the lovestory here. Like, at the end, I wanted them to be together. I also had a hard time with Iku, who's quite irresponsible, boisterous, spontaneous, and so naiiiiiiiive! She doesn't understand when big things are coming/happening, doesn't understand the real purpose of the institution she is engaging with, doesn't understand the characters around her, doesn't understand what they feeeeeeel! She was quite annoying, to say the least. Like I rolled my eyes a couple of times. But she is also a great female character for what she represents. She is also capable of re-evaluate (just a little) what she thinks or how she acts; but she is too arrogant to admit it. Hope she grows up in the second book! I grew fond of her all the same throughout the novel. I loved Shibasaki at once: she is honest, frank, and funny! Also liked Komaki. As for Dojo, it was a little like Iku: a little too much. I had a problem with his attitude, like he acted like that just for the sake of the romance; but the ending explained it all, so, half-forgiven!
Like I said, I liked the nascent romance, even if I'm not a big fan of them usually. It didn't bother me.
The action was well described, even if I wanted more details, mostly during the battle at the end!
Only problem: the writing style. It is not bad, but it is not very good either. Maybe it is because of the translation; I'm pretty sure we lose something sometimes. The traductor partly rewrites to be understood by the readers. But maybe, in Japanese, the writing isn't really good either; I'll never know!
I'll keep reading this series!!
December 24, 2019
悪くはない。
数年前に話題になったのも納得の、本好き＋軍隊好きにはたまらないであろう話。
しかもメインの人物関係は単純。
漫画にしたらぴったりだろうなと思う。（というか、漫画版もあったような気がする…チェックしてみるか）
私は何年か前に実写映画をみてしまったので、どうしても堂上が岡田准一で脳内再生される。嫌いではないけど、ちょっと自分なりの堂上を想像したかったな。
話は５章に分かれていて、それぞれ主人公笠原郁の阿呆全開ながらも優秀な「図書館員」っぷりが描かれる。
そこそこ楽しいんだが、何か読みづらい。
何故だろう。
久々のラノベだから？
続きが気になるけど、もう一回読みたい！と思わせる内容ではないので、星３つ。
全部読み終わったらまた違う感想を持つかも。
ちなみに、初めの80％くらいは「ありえない設定の、アニメ＋本＋軍隊オタク向けラノベ」と思って読んでいたが、途中「日野の悪夢」なる事件が描かれ、図書を守る人々が殺されるシーンがある。
それを読んでいて、「実際にこういう事件過去に起きてないか？」と思ったら怖くなった。
文化大革命では知識人が大量に殺されたし、治安維持法下の日本だって似たような感じ。
「Mr.Pip」でも似たようなことがアフリカ（だったかな）で起きていたように記憶している。
軽いけど、考える材料にはなるな、この本。
…Fahrenheit 451を読んだ事だし、と思ってこのシリーズ読もうと思ったんだった。
こっちの方が面白い。当然か。
特殊な設定なしなら、ラブコメだし。
追記:アニメ1話視聴完了
アニメは微妙。というかつまらん。本に沿ってるけど、アニメならではの表現があってもいいのに、そのまま。
映画もアニメも微妙...漫画はどうかな。
数年前に話題になったのも納得の、本好き＋軍隊好きにはたまらないであろう話。
しかもメインの人物関係は単純。
漫画にしたらぴったりだろうなと思う。（というか、漫画版もあったような気がする…チェックしてみるか）
私は何年か前に実写映画をみてしまったので、どうしても堂上が岡田准一で脳内再生される。嫌いではないけど、ちょっと自分なりの堂上を想像したかったな。
話は５章に分かれていて、それぞれ主人公笠原郁の阿呆全開ながらも優秀な「図書館員」っぷりが描かれる。
そこそこ楽しいんだが、何か読みづらい。
何故だろう。
久々のラノベだから？
続きが気になるけど、もう一回読みたい！と思わせる内容ではないので、星３つ。
全部読み終わったらまた違う感想を持つかも。
ちなみに、初めの80％くらいは「ありえない設定の、アニメ＋本＋軍隊オタク向けラノベ」と思って読んでいたが、途中「日野の悪夢」なる事件が描かれ、図書を守る人々が殺されるシーンがある。
それを読んでいて、「実際にこういう事件過去に起きてないか？」と思ったら怖くなった。
文化大革命では知識人が大量に殺されたし、治安維持法下の日本だって似たような感じ。
「Mr.Pip」でも似たようなことがアフリカ（だったかな）で起きていたように記憶している。
軽いけど、考える材料にはなるな、この本。
…Fahrenheit 451を読んだ事だし、と思ってこのシリーズ読もうと思ったんだった。
こっちの方が面白い。当然か。
特殊な設定なしなら、ラブコメだし。
追記:アニメ1話視聴完了
アニメは微妙。というかつまらん。本に沿ってるけど、アニメならではの表現があってもいいのに、そのまま。
映画もアニメも微妙...漫画はどうかな。
March 16, 2020
I first learned of the Library Wars series though reading the manga adaptation at my library. The four novels were never published into English, to my knowledge. Luckily, I found this translation by Melithiel. Library War is the first book of the four and was exactly what I hoped and expected out of it. Arikawa makes readers think about the role of censorship and when it can be taken too far. The role of the public library in the defense of censorship plays a central role to this series, and it is fun to imagine if it were reality. Reporting for duty - Librarian First Class Grissom.
November 30, 2022
I found a copy online that someone translated into English! It was so fun reading! There were a few dry spots, but that was just me I think. Either way I gave it a 5 star because Library Wars is my favorite! I just love the manga series and being able to read where it started was the best! I am glad though that I read the manga before the light novel because I felt like I was able to get the full picture!
July 10, 2023
Obviously, I read a translation. All four in the series were amazing! At points the main character was annoying because she was SO happy, but otherwise there is nothing to complain about here. The manga followed right along with this series and I would highly recommend all 15 of those as well. Sorry this isn't more specific, but I read this series a while ago and all four have blended together in my head and I don't want to give any spoilers. Just read it.
April 10, 2019
I don't know if it's possible for me to love something more than I love Library Wars. I've read the manga several times, and finally found translations of the four light novels online and devoured them. They are wonderfully delightful, packed with more passion for libraries than even the manga. I wish I could find paperback copies of the English translation, because I would love to own these.
September 26, 2021
This book is based in Japan where the government has passed the law to prohibit any books deemed objectionable. To preserve freedom for the public to access any books, a Library Force has been formed. The story is about the main character, Iku Kasahara, joining the Library Force and does her task with her supervisor, Dojo Atsushi. In addition, Iku has joined the Library force because of Atsushi who helped her in the past, however, both of them do not know that they have met in the past. I would recommend this book as you can see the characters as they spend time with others they develop their character which we also can learn from it and develop our character to become a better person.
June 4, 2024
日本語の小説のグループと一緒にこの本を読みました。トピックはちょっと他のこの世界と似ている歴史けど。この世界で媒体の検閲が激しくなって、図書館は軍隊みたいなって、検閲のグループと戦う設定。小説はちょっと短編小説の集まれ見たいけど、全部は同じキャラなので、テレビ―番組のエピソードみたい。この本はくだらないロマンスもアニメっぽいコメディーと検閲について会話と短いアックショーン場面。タイトルからもっと戦争の戦いシーンがあるはずと思ってたけど、あまりない。キャラはちょっと嫌いだった。
October 3, 2022
感覺比較像純愛小說、不太像科幻小說；故事還算輕鬆有趣，但感覺並不是我的菜；應該不會再追續集了......
December 20, 2023
司書として、大好きでいられない訳ないじゃんw 所々単語の繰り返しがちょっと気になる面もあるけど、エンタメ・ラブコメながらも「図書館って実はすごく凄い」ってしっかり伝わっているのが嬉しい。漫画は数巻読んだけど、ドラマもアニメも見たいーー。
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