Easily One of My Favourite Audiobooks

In reviewing this audiobook, I am also influenced by the narrator’s previous works like 妹という祝福 (The Blessing of the Younger Sister), 女生徒 (Schoolgirl), and the legendary 上白石萌音 good‐night letter which have set a strong precedent that this audiobook continues.

The interplay between the original text and its auditory rendition further deepens the experience, with both elements executed to an exemplary standard. The narration is outstanding, with the author’s voice bringing a unique authenticity and depth to the text. It adheres to an objective style—a deliberate choice by the author to maintain the integrity of the text, even when addressing passages shaped by the personal, historical, and cultural contexts of their time, which might be composed or framed differently today. This performance adds immeasurably to the experience, and I truly hope the author chooses to narrate more works in the future.

This audiobook emerges during a period of significant cultural and artistic activity by the author, coinciding with the release of works that explore intersecting philosophical themes, such as existentialism, the philosophy of emotion, and the philosophy of action. Furthermore, the audiobook engages with aesthetics, ethics, and broader contemplations on the philosophy of art, self, and mind. Its alignment with phenomenology weaves a rich tapestry of life’s textures through vivid, grounded depictions of fleeting emotions, memories, and daily fragments.

For dedicated fans, this audiobook functions as more than a work of art—it becomes a bible of introspection, a guide for navigating the complexities of human experience that transcends disciplinary boundaries. Its resonance is comparable to the early 20th-century question, “What would Jesus do?” Here, the metaphorical enquiry might be, “What would Mone Kamishiraishi do?”—a reflection of the cultural and philosophical influence the audiobook inspires. This framing underscores its capacity for enduring personal and intellectual engagement, establishing it as a significant work of lasting artistic and philosophical importance.

Mone Kamishiraishi herself has arguably become a beacon for younger and emerging artists, much like Taylor Swift for Gen Z as an “older sister” figure. Her multifaceted career and grounded authenticity inspire newcomers to pursue excellence while staying true to their individuality. Through her essays, performances, and openness about life’s complexities, Kamishiraishi provides both reassurance and guidance to those navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry. For many, she embodies the nurturing and aspirational qualities of an “older sister”, fostering a sense of support and inspiration for the next generation of performers.

Ultimately, it is the author/narrator’s journey leading up to the writing of this book and its heartfelt narration that gives it profound value, inviting listeners to study and re-listen in their own times of need.

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