A review by yuyu8
The Forest of Wool and Steel by Natsu Miyashita

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

“The Forest of Wool and Steel” by Natsu Miyashita is a beautifully written novel with poetic prose and abundant reflective quotes. The story delves into an intriguing niche—the journey of a piano tuning apprentice. It begins with the protagonist’s first encounter with a piano and follows his progressive path toward mastery.

The novel opens our eyes to the depth and breadth that a seemingly niche topic can achieve when infused with the magic of words. It explores how one can hold their work dear and strive to give their best.

The portrayal of protagonists in Japanese stories finding their true calling or true love and dedicating their lives to it is intriguing and romantic. While it may not always align with reality, it captures our imagination. I wonder, though, if there’s ever a fleeting moment when they question whether they’ve chosen the correct path.

The novel also prompts reflection on materialism. In a world where everyone competes for the materialistic gains, do we choose a career based on financial gain or how much it enriches our lives?
The quote, “Playing the piano is not how I’ll make a living. It’s how I’ll make a life,” resonates deeply. 

Anyone who loves the piano and admires the Japanese craftsman’s pursuit of perfection will find joy in this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨