The Library of Heartbeats
By Laura Imai Messina
Manilla Press (2024)
ISBN: 978-1786583116
Review by Renae Lucas-Hall
In Laura Imai Messina’s The Library of Heartbeats, the heart stands out as the central theme, infusing this charismatic tale with depth and resonance. The author intertwines the profound influence of the heart on the characters' lives, moulding their experiences and shaping their destinies in a brilliant display of narrative prowess.
In his book Culture, Body, and Language, Ikegami Yoshihiko says the Japanese word for heart, kokoro, has multiple meanings. It is a body organ as well as a ‘generator of thoughts, feelings, emotions and volitions’, which is reflected in Buddhism. For the Japanese, the spirit, heart, and mind are one. Messina proves she has a deep understanding of Buddhism and how it directly shapes the lifestyles and perspectives of the Japanese people. Her writing also reflects the sociological complexities that connect and divide adults and children in Japan.
Shuichi, the main protagonist, is a successful, prize-winning illustrator of children’s books. His mother understands his reason for drawing: ‘Reality looked ugly; didn’t live up to how you imagined it. That’s when you started drawing.’ (p. 319). This may be the reason people read, write, or draw: They are searching for a more beautiful and kinder world in creativity.
Shuichi was diagnosed at birth with a heart murmur, a slight arrythmia. He wasn’t allowed to do heavy lifting or feel strong emotions. Any sudden announcements or surprises could have an adverse effect on him. ‘The new, for Shuichi, was an unbearable risk.’ (p. 42).
Shuichi began to draw when he was in hospital for a heart operation. Throughout his childhood, he was always torn between reality and fiction, so he immersed himself in books in order to disappear.
It’s clear Shuichi’s mother, Mrs Ono, tried to be caring and sympathetic in her own individual way but her parenting methods were out of the ordinary. She would often lie to her son to protect him. When he asked about a painful memory, she would say it never happened. When Shuichi asked his mother why lies are good she replied ‘They’re good for improving our memories.’ (p. 116).
His mother’s lies could only safeguard him until he was an adult when his own son Shingo passes away in a freak accident in a swimming pool. The writing becomes emotional and tense at this point. Shuichi misses the times his son was being trivial and impossible the most. ‘A detail dropped randomly into conversation, a tiny object found around the house, a stupid face being pulled.’ (p. 207) .
When Shuichi’s mother, Mrs Ono, dies her son decides to get rid of all of her belongings. He wants to ‘turn the house into something so unfamiliar that he could let it go.’ (p. 23). In the process, he discovers a young boy is visiting her home when he is absent. He sets up a camera to see what he is doing and discovers this child is sifting through everything and taking objects away.
Shuichi reaches out to this child called Kenta through his illustrations and an innocent friendship develops between them from this point onwards, which is unique and endearing. But the affection this man and the young boy have for Shuichi’s mother, Mrs Ono, also captivates the reader. When Shuichi speaks to Kenta he notices ‘that a part of his mother had been deposited in this boy… The joy of hearing her so alive in this boy’s words gave him such a sense of well-being.’ (p.64).
Kenta is eight-years-old and like most children he has a personality based primarily on feelings. He used to spend a lot of time with Mrs Ono so the boy’s intonation is similar to hers. One day when Mrs Ono dropped some apples, he helped her to pick them up and they became friends. He told her he had trouble writing Japanese kanji characters and since he thought they looked like insects she promised to help him master them in a way he could easily understand. He liked to visit her because his own parents were constantly fighting. She also made him cakes, pancakes, fruit compote and cream dorayaki (p. 65). One can see why Mrs Ono held a special place in Kenta’s heart. The reader also discovers Kenta had a close bond with Shuichi’s son Shingo.
The centrality of the heart as a theme underscores the significance of love within the narrative. Shuichi’s interest in his ex-wife Aya when they first start dating is a sweet way to describe someone cultivating their heart for love: ‘Did she prefer steamed fish or grilled? And surfing? Did she like surfing? These questions expanded his soul: Shuichi was preparing the space for another person.’ (p. 180).
Shuichi meets his future girlfriend Sayaka when she prepares his mother’s body for her funeral. He ‘had mixed up the emotions of saying goodbye to his mother with the hazy memory of this woman.’ (p. 84). When Shuichi has the friendship of Kenta and the company of Sayaka, an unexpected lightness returns to his life.
Happiness is another central theme. The author admits at the end that ‘imagining myself happy is still my biggest challenge’ (p. 369). When Shuichi, Sayaka, and Kenta visit the island where the library of heartbeats is located, there is a sense of contentment and the characters coming full circle. But this book also tells us a lot about growing up. For example, when Shuichi notices Kenta is no longer afraid of graves, he can see his childhood is receding (pp. 270-271). Young parents will relate to these special moments.
Some chapters present unique formatting. One delves into the heartbeats of individuals worldwide. Another features Mrs. Ono's and Shingo's heartbeats transcribed into sheet music. Additionally, there is a section showcasing various Japanese interpretations of heartbeat sounds, like "doki doki" for an excited heart or "toku toku" for a subdued beat. There is also a chapter dedicated to a page from The Pillow Book, a famous story from the Heian period (794-1185) authored by Sei Shonagon.
This author is well-known for her debut bestseller, The Phone Box at the End of the World, yet this latest work is brimming with charm and delight in countless ways. Dare to delve into its pages; you will find yourself captivated, and your heart leaping in certain chapters thanks to Messina's enchanting storytelling and masterful character development.