Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

Description

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 pow er of books. Review: Loved this book - This was such a nice and easy read. The story has a calm, cozy feeling to it, and I really liked the atmosphere around the little bookshop. It has that comforting Japanese fiction vibe where the story focuses more on everyday life, relationships and finding your way through difficult moments. The writing is simple and easy to get into, so it doesn't feel like a heavy read. I also enjoyed the bookish setting and the way books and reading are part of the story. It's the kind of book you can pick up when you want something relaxing rather than something too intense. Overall, a sweet and comforting read. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy Japanese translated fiction, quiet stories and books about books. Review: Heart warming and engaging read. - With simple writing that's easy to follow, ‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’ is a story about the connection we form with stories. Be it the written word or the spoken one, we have an intrinsic human tendency to relate to certain stories and cherish them. It is a coming-of-age story. It is a relatively thin book; it does not feel daunting when held. The cover of the book is like an amalgamation of a warm cup of coffee along with a cosy blanket. It beckons to you with a lilting aura. The story is equally warm. The narrative is simple; it follows our lead, Takako, on a realistic journey that begins with heartbreak but ends with a deeper understanding of human nature thanks to her newfound appreciation of books. She has not grown up with an affection for books as most book lovers have. She doesn't even develop the connection immediately when she is thrust into a situation that surrounds her with books. It is only by chance that she discovers the escapist worlds hidden between pages and once she does, she devours books with a fascination & hunger that only book lovers would relate to. Reading the book will bring back fond memories of how you first fell in love with reading. Although having a name that implies that it’s all about books, ‘Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’ has more to offer. It paints a wonderfully accurate picture of the nuances of Japanese culture that make that way of life so affable to everyone. We can only hope that we emulate the values that Takako learns as she comes out of her shell and experiences life around her. The descriptive passages of the neighbourhood of Jimbocho in which the bookshop is located can make you feel like you’re walking amid the Cherry blossoms, savouring the clean, fresh air around you. The story retains only a few well-written main characters. As we read along, it can sometimes be frustrating to understand their actions and reactions to situations. At these junctions, we need to remember that the Japanese are polite, gentle people who are not often vocal about their emotions. In anger, they would normally internalise emotions rather than throw a tantrum. This tends to slow down the narrative & can at times stunt the story. There is no A-HA moment or a defining climax for readers who are looking for excitement. It is a slow burn that engages your thoughts; which is often how reality works. There are some name drops of famous Japanese literature that I was grateful to add to my reading list. It is a welcome diving board into Japanese fiction. The book has won the Chiyoda Literature Prize in 2023. The English translation by Eric Ozawa is crisp and emotive. Yagisawa’s book is comfort food that reminds us to be grounded in reality while at the same time encouraging us to discover ourselves by getting lost in the abundant words (and worlds) found between pages.