My dear readers and members of the literary salon,

At our last meeting, we discussed what healing novels are and how they influence our lives.

Healing novels represent a literary genre aimed at emotional restoration. These stories are also known as therapeutic.

In our stressful times, the issue of burnout is very pressing. The pursuit of success, combined with technological progress, has created a situation where there is no opportunity for proper rest. No matter where you are, whether it’s day or night, you’re always within reach. Initially, this might make you feel important, but over time, fatigue and apathy start to take over.

Not everyone can see a psychologist. And even those who do often wait until they’re standing on the edge of the abyss. Books on psychology are also not for everyone. However, in this situation, healing novels are just what you need.

First, they are works of fiction with all the traditional elements of a plot: introduction, development, climax, and resolution.

Second, these works offer warm and heartfelt stories that focus on harmony and inner peace, without dramatic conflicts. Topics such as “loss” as part of life, the value of everyday moments, and the importance of interpersonal connections are often raised.

The genre’s name comes from the English word “healing.” It originated in Asia, particularly in Japan and South Korea, where literature became a means to combat emotional burnout. These countries have long faced psychological problems, and the genre known as “iyashikei” became a kind of therapy for the soul.

One bestseller in this genre is the novel by South Korean author Hwang Bo-Reum, *Welcome to “The Bookstore in Hyunam-dong”*. 

The main character, Yeon-ju, decides to open a bookstore and finds not only a new job but also a way to reflect on the meaning of life. At the beginning of the book, the reader does not know what led her to make this decision. Her past won’t let her go and doesn’t allow her to fully relax. At the same time, her new life as a bookstore owner is far from a bed of roses, yet Yeon-ju finds satisfaction in what she does. The novel doesn’t claim that the path to oneself and to inner comfort is easy; even if the road is paved with roses, no one bothered to remove the thorns. The heroine notes that the right answers change with time and experience.

Her bookstore attracts people with broken lives: some have failed to meet their parents’ expectations, others are plagued by boredom, and still others are struggling with anger, and so on. In the bookstore, these people not only meet but also share things with each other that they wouldn’t have dared to say before. Some need support, others a chance to speak their mind, and still others a fresh perspective on their situation. The bookstore becomes not just a place to read but a club where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, knit a scarf, or simply sit in silence.

One of the important issues raised in the novel is that dedication and career aspirations do not always bring true satisfaction, and apathy comes as a result.

The heroes of the work come to the realization that you shouldn’t always look for meaning in continuous work, because overload tires you, even if work is your hobby.

There was also a love line in the novel. The heroes, having managed to get burned in previous relationships, overcoming the obstacles they built with their own hands, make attempts to create new ones.

The novel touches on fundamental issues, inviting you to rethink your usual life values ​​and find peace in simple joys, such as books, creativity, making coffee, etc.

The main bonus of healing novels: they always have a happy ending, although not always the one you expect. But happiness doesn’t have a single recipe.

When asked which Russian authors work in this genre, AI (artificial intelligence) gave the following list:

Marina Stepnova – The Women of Lazarus

This novel tells the stories of three women connected to the brilliant scientist Lazar Lindt. Each heroine goes through trials but eventually finds the strength for inner healing and acceptance of their feelings. The story is filled with reflections on love, time, and overcoming trauma.

Olga Lukas – Broth of torment

The best way to get to know your work colleagues is to act in the same play with them. By order of the boss, the employees of the furniture company stage “Woe from Wit” on their own. They invite Vladimir Vilenin, an actor from a run-of-the-mill theater, to be the director. Having taken control of the performance, faced with a corporate world completely unfamiliar to him, he “takes the helm” of his own life. He stops going with the flow and achieves what he no longer dared to dream of. All you had to do was stop hoping for the mythical “good uncle” and become this “uncle” yourself – first for others, weaker ones. And then for myself.

Ekaterina Vil’mont – I Want a Woman on Roller Skates

A light, positive novel about a woman who, finding herself in difficult circumstances, manages to change her life for the better. This book teaches you not to dwell on problems but to find joy in simple things.

Tatyana Ustinova – Paradise fruit

This detective novel is not without warm and cozy moments. The heroine finds herself in a tough situation, but thanks to the support of friends and her inner strength, she finds a way out and achieves peace of mind. Although Ustinova is known as a detective writer, her books often have elements of healing novels due to their positive emotional direction.

We discussed and decided, why not read Tatyana Ustinova’s novels in search of therapeutic elements in her books? Especially since there is a wide selection of her works in the library. Read and come to share what you’ve learned from her books. Or simply listen to what others have to say.

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I’d like to end this article with a quote from Hwang Bo-reum’s novel *Welcome to “The Bookstore in Hyunam-dong”*:

“If we stop worrying about how we look, who knows, maybe the day won’t turn out so bad?” 

Nicely said, right?