Days at the Morisaki Bookshop: The perfect book to curl up with - for lovers of Japanese translated fiction everywhere

Days at Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa is a heartwarming yet understated story about finding oneself amidst the pages of books. The novel follows Takako, a young woman reeling from heartbreak, who reluctantly moves into her estranged uncle’s bookshop in Tokyo’s Jimbocho district. What begins as an inconvenient arrangement turns into a transformative journey as Takako slowly reconnects with life and discovers a newfound love for reading. One of the most charming aspects of the novel is its celebration of books and the solace they bring. Takako’s initial indifference toward literature gradually evolves into an appreciation for the stories and lives contained within their pages. Her discovery of the healing power of books is a beautiful, relatable thread that resonates with book lovers. That said, the pacing of the story felt uneven. The first half is slow, focusing heavily on Takako’s personal struggles and her adaptation to life at Morisaki Bookshop. While this quiet exploration of her character and relationships is poignant, it takes time for the story to pick up momentum. Conversely, the ending felt rushed, tying up key emotional arcs too quickly to leave a lasting impact. A more balanced pace could have elevated the narrative. What stands out most is how Takako’s stay at the bookshop reignites her sense of purpose. Her bond with her uncle, the eclectic customers, and the charm of Jimbocho itself all play a role in her transformation. Watching her fall in love with books, beginning with a chance encounter with a classic novel, was particularly moving. This journey feels authentic, capturing how literature can help us rediscover ourselves and open us to new possibilities. Despite its flaws, Days at Morisaki Bookshop is a gentle and reflective story. It may not be a page-turner, but its quiet charm and love for books make it worth reading. If you enjoy introspective narratives with a touch of literary magic, this book is a delightful escape.

5 ⭐ Looking for a cozy read which is heart-warming and emotional? Pick this one up. This is my first book from the japanese translated fiction and I'm glad I picked it up.I wanted something to read about books written about books, finding the joy of reading and this one is my start for it. Simply written heartwarming story about relationships, a new journey to start life leaving the past behind, love for the used books and streets of bookshops, are the things I came across and adored reading about these. I liked takako's uncle satoru's character from this tale.His kindness and gentle nature, his love for books, his understanding of human nature, and his way of giving emotional support, made me feel good which felt like a warm hug. And the 2nd book from this series i.e, "More days at morisaki bookshop" is on my tbr. I can't wait to explore more of the character's life from this one. A beautiful read : ) 📌 More story is there in this book. I'm not mentioning it because I think it will be good and fun to read without knowing much about the story and plot before going through a book.

La couverture du livre et l’impression sont de très bonne qualité L’histoire est originale et captivante Je conseille fortement pour une première lecture en anglais pour les débutants

Love the book! Looking forward to read the sequel. Since it is an imported product shipped to my home country, I will have to wait until there is a promotion, or a chance to get it from a friend travelling abroad :-(

Came in good conditions, it’s a short book but very entertaining, all good

Som förväntad, luktade boklim mycket nice