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“Regardless, here’s the thing: art doesn’t need to be good to be valuable. I’ve heard it said that art is the one truly useless creation – intended for no mechanical purpose. Valued only because of the perception of the people who view it. The thing is, everything is useless, intrinsically. Nothing has value unless we grant it that value. Any object can be worth whatever we decide it to be worth. And to these Two, Yumi’s painting was priceless.”

What is the Book about?

Yumi comes from a land of gardens, meditation, and spirits, while Painter lives in a world of darkness, technology, and nightmares. When their lives suddenly become intertwined in strange ways, can they put aside their differences and work together to uncover the mysteries of their situation and save each other’s communities from certain disaster?

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Rating
Plot ★★★☆☆
Characters ★★★★★
Excitement ★★★★★
Atmosphere ★★★★★
Writing Style ★★★☆☆

Favourite Character
Yumi

My thoughts while reading it

Slice of Life stories have always held a simple yet profound beauty, making it a pity that they haven’t been more prevalent in the realm of fantasy. By this, I don’t mean the increasingly popular subgenre of Cozy Fantasy, but rather the experience of accompanying a character in a natural environment, observing their everyday tasks, and crafting something from it that leaves you with a sense that ordinary life can be beautiful. Often, we see this portrayed in anime or manga, but encountering it in literature, especially in a manner that leaves you yearning for your own daily routines, is rare. Yumi and the Nightmare Painter has achieved this for me, akin to what only the film Your Name has previously accomplished.

Experiencing the daily lives of the two main characters, each trapped in the other’s body, adds a fascinating layer of intrigue to the narrative. Moreover, their existence in entirely different worlds allows us to explore two vastly different yet equally ordinary lives. One side presents a modern Tokyo, bustling with delicious ramen stalls and towering skyscrapers, where cool youth groups roam the narrow streets. Painter inhabits a world that, while similar to ours, is imbued with a different essence, hinted at by the streets adorned with brushstrokes and haunted by roaming nightmares. This contrast paints Yumi’s world as reminiscent of traditional Japan, offering insights into a deeply ingrained culture and emphasizing the importance of adhering to traditions to lead a fulfilling life. With traditional wooden clogs, one traverses small temples here, while springs cleanse body and soul, immersing one in this ancient world. Thus, Yumi reveals her warm realm, starkly contrasting with the darker, more somber world of modernity. Perhaps, this is meant to suggest that our modern world is bleak, but that’s a judgment each must make for themselves. The plot itself becomes secondary as the narrative draws you into the daily lives of the endearing characters. Some may find the pacing leisurely, but it’s precisely this unhurried progression that adds to the story’s allure, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the charm of everyday moments.

Brandon Sanderson’s skillful integration of the theme of art into this world is truly impressive, seamlessly woven into the everyday lives of the two protagonists without being heavy-handed. Painter employs the obvious art of painting to ward off “evil,” while Yumi, on the other hand, practices the unconventional art of stone stacking. Here, the focus is more on what art truly represents. What is the value of art? Who determines its worth? Must artists always create something extraordinary to be considered artists, or is it about skill versus emotion? It’s refreshing to read that art doesn’t necessarily have to be aesthetically pleasing or have a profound impact; rather, it holds different meanings for each individual. Art can be a whimsical doodle by a child, a poorly written song by a partner, or a poem meant for one’s own solace. Art is not an unnecessary creation; rather, it moves us. Every piece of art is unique. However, art isn’t limited to stone stacking or drawing to ward off nightmares; it also encompasses how people craft their own narratives and find art within themselves. The art of making others feel good, even if it’s not always based on truth, or the art of making oneself a hero, even if the truth may be obscured. Thus, even lies can be considered a form of art, one that shouldn’t always be condemned as inherently malicious but rather understood for the story behind them.

Yumi and Painter emerge as the quintessential characters for this narrative. They grapple with self-doubt, uncertainty about others, their world, and the mundane aspects of their lives, yet they never lose sight of themselves. In doing so, they illustrate the importance of questioning one’s own perspectives to extract the best from life, advocating for a departure from rigid rules towards thoughtful consideration of what brings happiness to oneself and others. Painter epitomizes the frail character seeking solace in deception while striving to uplift others. Throughout the story, he undergoes personal growth organically, transcending his weaknesses without feeling forced. This evolution is catalyzed by his partnership with Yumi, whose strength complements his vulnerabilities, propelling him towards becoming the person he presents through his lies. Conversely, although Yumi initially appears strong and resolute, her motivations are repeatedly challenged, revealing her softer side. Witnessing her joy in the modern setting, where she embraces life’s simple pleasures with infectious enthusiasm, is truly delightful. Observing her relish in the everyday brings to light the significance of finding joy in the mundane—a notion often overlooked. The dynamic between the two is nothing short of perfection, and their partnership is the heart and soul of this story. I couldn’t imagine anyone else more fitting to embark on this journey.

For those who have watched Your Name, they’ll grasp the sentiment I’m attempting to convey—it exudes a whimsical charm. Despite encountering adversity, reading it doesn’t evoke feelings of sadness; instead, it leaves one with a pervasive sense of warmth, accompanied by a constant smile tinged with nostalgia. Surprisingly, although it doesn’t directly evoke childhood memories, it serves as a gentle reminder to perceive the beauty in our everyday lives and cherish the little things. Whether it’s enjoying a bowl of ramen, indulging in a relaxing bath, or relishing the company of loved ones, the story encourages us to appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

A small yet exquisite tale that leaves one feeling utterly dreamy. In his concluding remarks, Brandon Sanderson expresses reluctance to label any of his books as favorites, yet he admits that this one holds a special place among his four Secret Projects. Having only read Tress and this one, I can confidently say that it ranks among my favorites of his works. This story is a work of art. While not everyone may appreciate it as such, for me, it resonated deeply, and nothing more is needed.

Reading Recommendation? ✓
Favourite? ✓