A light read, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is not a story about books, but a story about life with books, Amrutha Ramachandrapurapu reviews.
Satoshi Yagisawa’s debut novel Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is an easy and light read that revolves around the life of 25-year-old Takako. Takako’s perfect world comes crashing around her when her boyfriend tells her that he’s marrying someone else. With all doors appearing to close for her, she finds the welcoming doors of the three-generation-old Morisaki Bookshop opening for her.
It has been ages since Takako met her uncle, Satoru. She’s only heard vague descriptions of him. Takako moves into the second floor of the bookstore after her eccentric uncle Satoru invites her to stay there rent-free, replacing the mountain of books. She was never into reading books and had no plans of getting into it either. She felt lost most of the time and spent all her free time sleeping. She wasn’t interested in making conversation with anyone either.
With time, as Takako begins to talk to her uncle, she begins to understand him much better. She discovers a new side to him, but she knows the new side belongs to him.
One night, to escape overthinking, Takoko picks up a book and there’s no turning back. She falls in love with Japanese literature. With a newfound confidence and love for life, Takako leaves the bookshop and begins a new life.
In the latter part of the book, Takako meets Momoko, Satoru’s estranged wife, and befriends her. She knew her uncle could never gather the courage to ask Momoko why she left him. Takako visits the bookshop frequently. She plans to ask her aunt why she left Satoru but Momoko diverts the topic.
In the meantime, Takako meets a young editor at a café and develops a bond with him. On a trek to the majestic mountains, Takako bonds with Momoko and understands her like never before. Her heart goes out to her aunt.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop perfectly describes the philosophy of a slow life with books. It is a cozy and comforting read. The characters are crafted beautifully, but not without their struggles. They are real and relatable. The relationships between the characters are meaningful and heartfelt. In this fast-paced world, all we crave are moments of love and solitude.
The author has developed a warm and comforting plot along the lines of managing a bookstore. The book discusses human emotions and their depths. We all feel lost at certain moments in our lives, but what we fail to understand is that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop explores the themes of family, love, and the might of reading. Takako’s life is all about love and new beginnings.
The plot is well paced and the book cover gets brownie points. The story isn’t about books but rather about life with books. Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is nothing but a warm hug to its readers.
Pick up Days at the Morisaki Bookshop from any Kunzum store or WhatsApp +91.8800200280 to order. Buy the book(s) and the coffee’s on us.