What exactly is a Light Novel?

Although a Light Novel (ライト・ノベル) is usually defined as targetting a demographic or as having a particular style (more dialogs, with pictures), it is necessary to find a less alien and technical definition.

A Light Novel is a short novel that shares themes, archetypes and genres with contemporary otaku culture: you can find high-school settings, tsunderes, lolis, cultural festivals, beach scenes, school trips, etc.

Why are English translations problematic?

The simpliest reason is that translating a light novel is extremely time consuming. Just compare the amount of text in a manga and a light novel and you will easily understand .

The fact that many Western anime fans can't empathize with otaku culture (with its emphasis on cuteness, high-school settings and less serious themes) also has an impact on which novels get licensed.

Is the Light Novel important?

A considerable number of animes currently airing, maybe over 50%, are actually light novel adaptations, and many mangas are light novel adaptations as well — being part of otaku culture, adaptations are very easy.

Suzumiya Haruhi, Zero no Tsukaima, Shakugan no Shana, Index, Oreimo, Spice and Wolf, Marimite, MM! and a long etcetera number among famous light novel adaptations.

So... why Light Novel Summaries?

Translating light novels isn't easy, and fan translations are legally dangerous.

Many believe that the only way to blog is through reviews; often, ranting. But I find reviews pointless, especially if people haven't even been able to read the original.

What I offer is summaries: I read the light novel and tell you what happens, which is far more efficient than translations and more useful than reviews.