Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop uses a first person (past tense) narrative to follow 25-year-old Takako who is plunged into a period of low mood after learning that her partner is getting married to another woman. When offered free room and board by her peculiar uncle, she reluctantly agrees and moves in above his second-hand bookstore. Here, Takako slowly begins to find herself again as she learns the importance of connecting with others and develops a love for reading. This novel is a sympathetic and hopeful exploration of life’s difficulties, and the importance of facing your fears, responsibilities, and relationships. It also emphasizes the significance of recovering in your own time, on your terms, and relying on others when you feel stuck.

The writing style and descriptive language in this translation are beautifully simple, yet the descriptions are vivid and paint a picture of the surroundings in a way that gives them a warm glow. “It felt so peaceful there. The interior was lit by soft lanterns. Gentle piano music was playing. The blackened brick wall was covered with doodles and graffiti from past customers. All of it fit together beautifully and matched the warm, soothing ambience of the coffee shop”. Reading this book left me feeling the same way that I do after listening to lofi music for a while.

The characters are all easily loveable and as a result, it is easy to invest in them and their relationships. This made the book very difficult for me to put down. Despite their likability, they do have very clear flaws. We follow as several characters work on their flaws and try to improve, making them all the more interesting. This helps to make them seem like real people; they grow and change but never overcome their flaws completely, so they never become unrealistically perfect people.

Despite this, the book did feel slightly too short for me, and I found myself wanting a longer, slower development at some points. The narration style means that Takako can retrospectively tell us about how she was feeling, which allows for some interesting insights, but occasionally as though Satoshi Yagisawa used this to tell the reader exactly how Takako was feeling rather than showing this through how Takako interacts with others. For example, Takako’s discovery of her love for reading was near-instant, and this was used almost immediately to facilitate several relationships and improve her mental health very quickly. I think a slower development here would have been more realistic and provided a bigger payoff down the line.

Who would like this book?
This book is perfect if you want a simple and quick comforting read, especially for those who are new adults or those struggling with the burdens of life. Having been through periods of struggle in my life, I found this to be particularly poignant, and I expect I will re-read this when I inevitably struggle again in the future. This writing style would be perfect for you if you like unpretentious, cozy descriptions of the everyday. However, if you prefer more complex, morally grey characters or a plot that drives the story forward quickly, this may not be for you. In this case, the book may feel bland, and you may leave feeling disappointed.

Overall, this was a lovely read with some poignant themes and beautiful descriptions. I would rate this book: 4.5/5

Constructive feedback on this review is welcome!

Content Warnings

serendipity421's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Content Warnings

aleilvandrea's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

clavishorti's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, deftly translated by the talented Eric Ozawa, unfolds like a cherished, inviting book you can't help but sink into on a cozy afternoon.

This book comes in two parts, initially guiding us through Takako's transformative journey, entwined with the enigmatic presence of her uncle, Satoru. Then, like a sudden plot twist, Momoko, Satoru's mysterious wife, reemerges after a five-year vanishing act. All of these intriguing events unfold in the intimate embrace of the Morisaki Bookshop, a place that exudes an inexplicable but undeniable magic.

As the story dances forward, one can't help but be drawn into the beguiling question: how will Morisaki Bookshop continue to inscribe its mark on the lives of those who find solace within its ambiance?

The initial segment, which intimately chronicles Takako's journey, emerges as an exquisite literary jewel. It's not merely a story, but a narrative that ensnares the soul, etching an enduring impression on the reader's heart. The palpable rawness of emotion and the lingering touch of melancholy weave seamlessly through the pages, crafting an immersive reading experience that resonates on a profound level. Encountering a work of fiction capable of evoking such depth of sentiment is a rarity indeed.

Yet, as the tale gracefully transitions into its second phase, there's a subtle shift in narrative momentum. While the subject matter remains compelling, the delivery, though commendable, doesn't quite scale the same heights of brilliance as the initial part. Nevertheless, I find myself profoundly grateful to have journeyed through this book to its culmination. The layers of its narrative, each carefully woven, leave a lasting impression, a testament to the intricate artistry of Satoshi Yagisawa's storytelling.

The incorporation of a bookstore and its significance in the narrative is a stroke of genius. For avid readers, this element serves as a delightful treat, adding an extra layer of charm to the story. It's a book that offers solace to those who hold literature close to their hearts.

Beyond its literary charm, the novel tackles weighty themes with honesty and grace. Mental health, solitude, heartbreak, and the journey towards healing are skillfully woven into the narrative. It delves into the complexities of communication, self-discovery, family dynamics, and the rejuvenation of friendships. Through it all, the novel embraces the concept of new beginnings, painting a vivid portrait of the human experience.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is a beautifully crafted work that resonates on a profound level. It's a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate the complexities of our lives. This novel is not just a story; it's an experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Content Warnings