Blurb: Hidden in Jimbocho, Tokyo, is a booklover’s paradise. On a quiet corner in an old wooden building lies a shop filled with hundreds of second-hand books.
Twenty-five-year-old Takako has never liked reading, although the Morisaki bookshop has been in her family for three generations. It is the pride and joy of her uncle Satoru, who has devoted his life to the bookshop since his wife Momoko left him five years earlier.
When Takako’s boyfriend reveals he’s marrying someone else, she reluctantly accepts her eccentric uncle’s offer to live rent-free in the tiny room above the shop. Hoping to nurse her broken heart in peace, Takako is surprised to encounter new worlds within the stacks of books lining the Morisaki bookshop.
As summer fades to autumn, Satoru and Takako discover they have more in common than they first thought. The Morisaki bookshop has something to teach them both about life, love, and the healing power of books.
by Satoshi Yagisawa
Book: Days at the Morisaki Bookshop
Author: Satoshi Yagisawa
Language: Japanese
Translated By: Eric Ozawa
Being a reader, any book about libraries or bookshops always excites me a lot. The same was the case with this book, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop. I picked this book randomly, thinking about some cosy story about a bookshop and well, that being included, this book has an added layer of family history and dynamics about love.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa is a heartwarming story set in the quaint streets of Jimbocho, Tokyo, where old wooden buildings house hidden treasures of second-hand books. This bookshop, passed down through three generations of Takako’s family, becomes the backdrop for a tale of love, loss, and redemption.
The narrative unfolds with Takako’s heartbreak following her boyfriend, Hideaki’s betrayal, leading her to seek solace in her uncle Satoru’s bookstore. Months after sulking into her own self in her room, she moves to Jimbocho at Saturo’s request in the wonderland of second-hand bookstores. As she immerses herself in the world of books, she gradually finds healing and discovers unexpected connections with her uncle and his estranged wife, Momoko. Read the book to follow what happens next!
“But the whole idea of waiting for someone you love till the day you die. That kind of thing never happens in the real world.”
What sets this book apart is its portrayal of multifaceted characters and their intricate relationships. Takako’s journey from heartbreak to self-discovery is beautifully intertwined with Satoru and Momoko’s complex dynamics. Each character is given equal importance, contributing to the richness of the narrative.
Yagisawa’s prose is simple yet evocative, effortlessly capturing the nuances of human emotions. The ambience of the Morisaki Bookshop is vividly depicted, drawing readers into its cozy embrace from the very first page. Through the characters’ experiences, the book explores themes of love, family, trust, and personal growth with depth and sincerity.
One of the highlights of the story is Takako’s gradual transformation as she finds solace and strength in the world of books. Her journey resonates with readers, offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Additionally, Momoko’s eccentricity adds a layer of unpredictability, making the dynamics between the characters all the more compelling.
The book’s pacing is gentle yet engaging, allowing readers to savour each moment as the story unfolds. The scenes are richly atmospheric, immersing readers in the timeless charm of the Morisaki Bookshop and its surroundings.
“And when I finally regained my presence of mind, I felt a sudden wave of grief come over me. Far more than anger, I felt grief. A grief that was so violent, so intensely palpable, that I felt like I could reach out and touch it.”
In Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Satoshi Yagisawa crafts a delightful narrative that seamlessly weaves together the enchanting atmosphere of a beloved bookstore with the intricacies of family relationships and the journey toward self-discovery. The book wonderfully captures human strengths and foibles. Each scene is richly atmospheric and filled with the beauty of books.
Overall, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is a refreshingly different story that combines the love of literature with poignant human experiences. Yagisawa’s storytelling prowess shines through, delivering a tale that is both comforting and thought-provoking. Whether you’re a book lover or simply a fan of heartfelt narratives, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
In conclusion, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is a captivating read that celebrates the power of love, resilience, and the timeless allure of books. With its endearing characters and evocative prose, it is a story that will linger in your heart long after you’ve turned the final page.
“Don’t be afraid to love someone. When you fall in love, I want you to fall in love all the way. Even if it ends in heartache, please don’t live a lonely life without love. I’ve been so worried that because of what happened you’ll give up on falling in love. Love is wonderful. I don’t want you to forget that. Those memories of people you love, they never disappear. They go on warming your heart as long as you live. When you get old like me, you’ll understand.”
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