Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
Reviewer: Deb Alig, Circulation Assistant
Genre: Japanese fiction
Suggested Age: Adults
What is this book about? With only 147 pages, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is an easygoing read. This feel good novel was originally published in Japanese in 2009. It was an award winner, and the Japanese made it into a hit movie. Then, in 2023, an English translation was published, and the book became an international bestseller. The story is mainly about lost love, new beginnings, and the healing power of books. The protagonist, twenty-five-year-old Takako, is dumped by her boyfriend, Hideaki, who has proposed to another woman. Takako is devastated. She quits her job and sleeps all day. One day, her Uncle Satoru, who runs a family owned second-hand bookshop in Jimbocho, Tokyo’s famous book district, gives his niece a call. He asks her if she would like to come and live on the second floor of the book store rent free in exchange for helping him out with the business. Remembering that her uncle is a little unconventional, she is hesitant at first. But Takako agrees hoping that she can escape the emotional pain of her recent breakup. At first she is uncomfortable living in a small room surrounded by stacks of books. In time, however, she discovers a love for reading, she meets new people who frequent the store, she becomes friends with the wait staff and customers at a local coffee shop, and she begins a new relationship with an editor from a nearby publishing company. Takako also helps her uncle save his marriage. Much of the healing that occurs is in this story is due to the power of books.
My Review: I really enjoyed this novel because it was a quick, enjoyable read. The characters had colorful personalities, and they were kind and respectful of one another. I especially appreciated the familial relationship that Satoru had with Takako. It reminded me of the special relationship I share with my niece. If I ever visit Japan, I would like to go to Jimbocho. There are about 130 used bookshops in this district of Tokyo. It’s hard for me to imagine what this “paradise” of books must look like.
Rating: 4/5
Three Words That Describe This Book: insightful, charming, cozy
Give This Book a Try is You Like: the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series; What You are Looking For is in the Library; The Nakano Thrift Shop
