Okay, let's be honest. We've all been there. Lost in a sea of light novels, desperately searching for that one gem.
And maybe, just maybe, you stumbled upon Ascendance of a Bookworm. I did! Prepare for opinions.
English Translations: My Unpopular Take
Now, the English translation of Ascendance of a Bookworm. It's a hot topic. It seems everybody has a firm point of view.
Here's my (potentially controversial) thought: They're good. Really good.
I know, I know! Some people complain about the pacing. Or the info dumps.
The Charm of the Mundane
But that's kind of the point, isn't it? Main, our beloved bookworm, isn't fighting dragons every other chapter.
She's trying to make paper! It's wonderfully mundane, in a captivating way.
And the English translation captures that. Perfectly, in my opinion.
Sure, there are moments when you're like, "Okay, book, I get it. You like books."
But those moments are balanced by the sheer joy of seeing Main's triumphs. Small victories, really.
Why It Works (For Me, At Least)
The translation isn't trying to be flashy. It's not trying to be something it's not.
It's just telling a story. A story about a girl, her love for books, and her struggles in a new world.
And it does it well. Like, really well. I can almost smell the ink and parchment!
Think about it, a lot of light novels go for that over-the-top, action-packed style.
Ascendance of a Bookworm? Nah, it's happy making paper. Happy making family.
And the translation reflects that gentle spirit, in my humble opinion.
It isn't perfect. No translation is. But it does an excellent job of conveying the heart of the story.
So, What's My Point?
I guess my point is, give the English translation a chance. Seriously.
Don't get bogged down by minor gripes. Embrace the slower pace.
Enjoy the details. Revel in Main's determination to bring books to everyone.
Because at the end of the day, that's what matters, right? The story.
And the story of Ascendance of a Bookworm is one that deserves to be read.
Even if you have to wade through a few info dumps to get there. Trust me.
You might just find yourself as addicted to the world as Main is to books.
Consider this your official permission to ignore anyone who says the translations are "too slow" or "too detailed."
Go forth and read. And maybe, just maybe, you'll become a bookworm yourself.
Just don't start hoarding paper. Please? My wallet can't handle it.