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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Translated from Japanese, Days At The Morisaki Bookshop was charming, warm hug of a book that I really enjoyed. Though it’s only 160 pages long, it managed to pack a rather powerful punch thanks to it’s slice-of-life style narrative, endearing characters and tender exploration of family, reconnection, and the therapeutic power of books— and perfect for settling down with on a chilly autumn evening.
It follows a young woman, Takako who moves into her uncle’s secondhand bookshop, after quitting her job and spiralling into depression from the devastating news of her boyfriend’s betrayal and subsequent engagement.
But with an uncle like Satoru, who’s childlike enthusiasm for both books and the community he calls home, Takako slowly begins to get back on track —making new friends and rediscovering the joy of life through books, the empathy they inspire and the bookish people who love them.
This is the perfect read for bibliophiles who love quick, cosy stories that celebrate the importance of connection—and most importantly, the almost life changing feeling of discovering a good book.
The addictively soothing style of writing was soo incredibly enjoyable, which I have credit to translator Eric Ozawa for , as he brought Satoshi Yagisawa’s brilliant story to life soo beautifully, which isn’t always the case for a lot of translated works. The descriptions of Jimbocho were quite vivid, and the characters we meet there (like notable fave, Sabu) were rather delightful in their quirkiness.
Overall, this was a fun, heartfelt and entertaining read that has me eager to get my hands on an English translation of the sequel.
Though, do check content warnings as it does touch upon sensitive topics such as infertility, miscarriage and terminal illness.
Though, do check content warnings as it does touch upon sensitive topics such as infertility, miscarriage and terminal illness.
Also, a massive thank you to Abigail Walton and Bonnier Books for the finished copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Infertility
Moderate: Terminal illness
Minor: Child death and Cancer
itsjoenna's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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
4.75
This book is like a special sentimental gift that reminds me again how much I love books.
Takako's passive character in the beginning was very similar to me, so it was easy to relate to her. I also really like her uncle! Can you imagine running a bookstore? Ugh, literally my childhood dream! All the characters are so so lovely! Some of the books mentioned made me very curious and interested in reading them. Overall, this was such a quick cozy book. I love it.
Takako's passive character in the beginning was very similar to me, so it was easy to relate to her. I also really like her uncle! Can you imagine running a bookstore? Ugh, literally my childhood dream! All the characters are so so lovely! Some of the books mentioned made me very curious and interested in reading them. Overall, this was such a quick cozy book. I love it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Infidelity, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Terminal illness
Minor: Child death and Abortion
outer_books's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.5
This book was amazing! I love the plot and the writing of this book. I don't know how well this was translated but the translator did a great job. They gave us the emotions, the descriptions without it being too much that it trailed off. I have cried while listening to it and it makes you feel what the MC feels.
It is cosy and refreshing to read after reading a lot of fantasy books. Highly recommend but please look at trigger warnings
It is cosy and refreshing to read after reading a lot of fantasy books. Highly recommend but please look at trigger warnings
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Infertility
Moderate: Terminal illness
Minor: Cancer, Miscarriage, and Child death
Depressionmxawprince's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Infertility, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Terminal illness
streberkatze's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I picked up this book on a whim, and I did not regret it! The protagonist's account of her life drew me in right away. The story was gripping in a quiet way. The characters were so lovable, and I'm more curious about both contemporary and early modern Japanese literature now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility
Moderate: Miscarriage
Minor: Cancer
tyr2607's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The book "The Days in the Bookshop Morisaki" by Satoshi Yagisawa, published by Insel Verlag and translated by Ute Enders, is about Takako and how she moves on after a breakup, as well as about escapism (the "escape" into other worlds through books).
As just written, the main character is Takako and the story is written in the style of a retelling. The book starts with her telling about the breakup with her boyfriend and her seeing him as just an affair. Since he is a colleague of hers, she quits and after pressure from her mother, moves into the room/apartment above her uncle's antique store. There she discovers the desire and also love for reading. One might think that there the story is over, but it continues. Takako ends up helping her uncle.
Because of this, the book is divided into 2 parts.
I must say that such a book, if it were by a German author, I would not have read. However, since I like Japanese authors, I dared.
I really enjoyed reading the book and fell in love with the main characters. Although there are also heavy strokes of fate thematized, they did not drag down the positive message, but better thematized the actions of some characters.
The cover fits the book well. It shows the antique store and presumably Takako in the room above.
As just written, the main character is Takako and the story is written in the style of a retelling. The book starts with her telling about the breakup with her boyfriend and her seeing him as just an affair. Since he is a colleague of hers, she quits and after pressure from her mother, moves into the room/apartment above her uncle's antique store. There she discovers the desire and also love for reading. One might think that there the story is over, but it continues. Takako ends up helping her uncle.
Because of this, the book is divided into 2 parts.
I must say that such a book, if it were by a German author, I would not have read. However, since I like Japanese authors, I dared.
I really enjoyed reading the book and fell in love with the main characters. Although there are also heavy strokes of fate thematized, they did not drag down the positive message, but better thematized the actions of some characters.
The cover fits the book well. It shows the antique store and presumably Takako in the room above.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Abortion, and Infertility
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