Solanin Book

Solanin is by far one of the best reads I have personally ever had. It's a wonderfully crafted story with the most character, charm, and personality a graphic novel has had in quite some time. I felt all emotions while flipping through theses pages and no other story had produced so many tears for me. Although it's sort of a depressing story, the answer that Inio Asano gives us is perserverance and hope. Solanin is a must read.

The main character Meiko, is a relatable girl. She's been out of collage for just a few years, worked an office job, and realizes soemthing--she's bored. Her place in life is not exactly what she wants, but she is content. This predicament causes her to question her happiness and what that really is. Her story is one that every person goes through at one point or another and in some form. Meiko is representative of the modern woman and the crazy society that moves around us.

The book also dives into the minds of Meiko's boyfriend and her friends from college. They all are around the same age and although they are doing different things with their lives, they are all questioning life, its meaning, and what they want out of it. With so many characters' insights and opinions there is always something to get out of the text. I find myself going over quotes from the book during everyday moments and also thinking, "This is just like Solanin."

In addition to Asano's flawless use of words, she illustrates her novel with stunningly drawn japanse anime style pictures. Basically, the book is like a thick manga with more of a serious plot devolopment. Don't let this throw you off though. You do not need to be a anime of manga fan to enjoy this read. Its soul and feel will whisk you away to the point where you won't even realize there are images on the page.

Solanin is a masterpiece in itself. It is pure magic that will
captivate your attention. I read this whole book in just a few hours because I could not bring myself to put the thing down. Once you get a feel of who these characters are and what their lives are like, you will never forget them and they will stay in your heart forever. It's not very often that an author can create something like that.