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

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.

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.

Very much loved it!The story is so well written and gives you a sense of warmth as you read it. The character development of the main character, Takako, is so well, about how life goes on. We can see her transformative journey as the story proceeds.The book is divided into two parts, in the first one we can see how she faces a crisis in her life, takes the opportunity she gets without much thought but, that's the turning point in her life, she deals with her emotions and move on in life. She bonds with her maternal uncle with whom she wasn't close with as an adult.The latter part is about her bond with her maternal aunt which just hits you with a lot of emotions.Such a heartwarming story!

Satoshi Yagisawa's "Days at the Morisaki Bookshop" is a charming and introspective novel that delicately weaves the lives of its characters around the comforting embrace of books. At the heart of the story is Takako, a young woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her boyfriend's infidelity. In the throes of heartbreak, she finds refuge in her uncle Satoru’s quaint, used bookshop in Tokyo's Jimbocho district.Takako's initial reluctance to stay at the bookshop gradually gives way to a profound appreciation for the solace and escape that books offer. Her journey from despair to self-discovery is beautifully depicted through her growing connection with literature, illustrating how books can be a powerful source of healing and renewal.Momoko, another pivotal character, carries the weight of a painful past. Her story unfolds as one of loss and heartache, yet also of resilience. Through the nurturing environment of the bookshop and Satoru's unwavering support, Momoko slowly opens her heart to the possibility of love again. Her ultimate surrender to Satoru's love is a testament to the redemptive power of companionship and understanding.Yagisawa skillfully portrays the therapeutic effect of books on all his characters. For Takako, the bookshop becomes a sanctuary where she rediscovers herself and finds true love, not just in the romantic sense, but in the broader, more profound connection with life and literature. Each character’s journey is intertwined with the books they read, reinforcing the idea that literature can provide comfort, insight, and a sense of belonging."Days at the Morisaki Bookshop" is a heartfelt ode to the quiet, transformative power of books. Yagisawa's gentle prose and keen understanding of human emotions make this novel a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring impact of literature on our lives.