This is one of those books I purchased because of the title that caught my attention. The Library of the Unrequited Love?! My hopeless romantic hormones were awakened. Having a “Library” in the title meant a book that deals with books. There’s “Love” which further tickled my need for a possible romantic read. More importantly, there’s “Unrequited,” which encapsulated everything. Three checks, I was convinced that the book is meant for me.

The Library of the Unrequited Love relates or better yet, rants the life of a Librarian. The entire story was presented in the second person because the Librarian was relating her hang-ups to an unidentified reader locked in her section the entire night.

The story is a narration of the single and solitary life of an old female Librarian. Much of her rants focused on her work and later translated to her entire life. She complains being assigned in the most undesirable section of the Library. In the midst of her emotional outpour, she presents a man who silently captured her heart. 

The entire book was presented in less than 100 pages. It could almost qualify for a short story. I would have wanted a longer story line. However, some reviewers thought that lengthening the story might make it too dragging. If I will be reading a continuous downpour of rants and sadness, I have to agree to some extent.

One thing I appreciate about the book is the long litany about the works and life of a Librarian. While most people belittle this profession, the lead character proved that being a Librarian is way challenging than what other people perceive. More than shelving and arranging books, they are information resource specialists. They serve as the best persons who possess the knowledge and skills in organizing the vast and growing body of information around us.

As for the love angle, the title already provides the hint. It was unrequited. It was sad. Despite the melancholic atmosphere, the Librarian's sentiments were drawn using real life characters from World History classes ... which I buried as soon as I finished my final examination in college. Hahaha 

Despite some unfamiliar characters used as a point of comparison, I actually appreciate Sophie Divry's writing style. Her choice of words captured my emotions. As always, here are some memorable quotes 
“I prefer the company of books. When I’m reading, I’m never alone, I have a conversation with the book. It can be very intimate.  Perhaps you know this feeling yourself? The sense that you're having an intellectual exchange with the author, following his or her train thought and you accompany each other for weeks on end.” 

"Book and reader, if they meet up at the right moment, it can make sparks fly, set you alight, change your life. It can, I promise you.”


Overall, I would like to give the book 3 out 5 stars. I highly recommend it to all the book lovers, hopeless romantics, and anyone looking for a short, witty and entertaining read this summer.