Your Name (light novel) by Matoko Shinkai, translated by Taylor Engel
Publication Date: May 23rd, 2017 by Yen On
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Magical Realism, Romance.
Find: Goodreads | Amazon
Goodreads Summary
Mitsuha, a high school girl living in a rural town deep in the mountains, has a dream that she is a boy living an unfamiliar life in Tokyo. Taki, a high school boy living in Tokyo, dreams that he is a girl living in the mountains. As they realize they are changing places, their encounter sets the cogs of fate into motion. The light novel is written by director Makoto Shinkai of the animated film Your Name.

Even if you’ve never seen the film, chances are you will have heard of it at one point or another. It’s safe to say anime is popular as ever and for those of you new to anime, or like me and have only tasted a few productions, this film will help you understand why it’s so well loved. 

The light novel was written as a companion to the film and it was just as charming as the film. It doesn’t deviate from the plot and some may say it’s not really worth the read, but what was great about this novel was that tiny bit of insight we got into the minds of Mitsuha and Taki. The first person narrative provides an insight into the emotions Mitsuha and Taki express during the course of the book. Their inner musings are comical and endearing and further strengthens the connection we have as readers to the characters and the situations they face. They may only be small snippets, but they’re so effective in exploring just how observant both of them are. It serves as a means to enhance the characteristics we already associate with both of them. 

Overall, Your Name is a worthy companion to the film. Is it a necessary read? No. It’s a quick and easy read and perfect for fans that want to experience the journey Mitsuha and Taki face in a different format.

What do you think about Your Name?
Do you have a favourite moment from the film?
Have you watched the film? Read the book? Manga?