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prism_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Moderate: Child death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Grief, and Pregnancy
Minor: Infidelity and Terminal illness
daryn's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Child death, Infidelity, and Terminal illness
Minor: Pregnancy
princessdeia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Moderate: Infertility, Miscarriage, and Terminal illness
Minor: Abortion
clavishorti's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Cancer, Child death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, and Abortion
hayley_mariep's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Minor: Cancer, Death, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, Grief, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
nialiversuch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Grief and Abandonment
Minor: Child death, Infertility, Infidelity, Terminal illness, and Abortion
bookwyrmknits's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book, for example, is a contemporary fiction, no speculative elements in it at all. It's about two different people and their relationships, set in a bookshop for a setting... but the bookshop itself isn't really important to the story. The relationships are the focus. I've tried reading similar books that were written in English (instead of translated) and something about the style didn't work for me. Something about the Japanese style of storytelling works better for me here.
The book starts with Takako, our main character, just dealing with a breakup due to a cheating boyfriend. She goes to help out her uncle at the Morisaki Bookshop to "recharge her batteries" (as she says later in the book) and to have a place to live with a free room while she recovers. She wasn't a reader when she moved there, but books are sneaky, and she ends up becoming a reader before too long.
There's a lot more to discover here, including some good bookish quotes, some recommendations of Japanese literature to read, and a lot of character development. If you're looking for a feel-good story, this is mostly that. It doesn't have a saccharine-sweet ending, though, and left me feeling like it was all the more real as a result. And also? I didn't know that Jimbocho is a real-life book-town. One more thing I now want to do when I eventually get to go to Tokyo!
Moderate: Miscarriage and Terminal illness
Minor: Grief
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
- 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
Though, do check content warnings as it does touch upon sensitive topics such as infertility, miscarriage and terminal illness.
Graphic: Infertility, Infidelity, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Terminal illness
Minor: Cancer and Child death
skylarkblue1's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Normally litfic isn't my genre. But that's the joy of bookclubs, finding new books to read you'd otherwise not notice!
It's more of a focus on characters this book, it's not too heavy on plot. Takako is drifting in life, after being played around with badly in her previous relationship, she takes up residence in her uncles second-hand bookshop to just recenter herself and work out what she wants to do.
Love is mentioned a few times in the synopsis, but it's very light on it. It does detail relationships between characters, and have one spark with the MC, but I wouldn't call it a romance book. And I like that personally.
It's medium paced I'd say, it really delves quite nicely into the humanity that surrounds books. How books can easily give life to people and places, to families. How literature very much brings people together.
It's a short read, but one that makes you think. A great piece of Japanese literature and I really want to watch the film adaptation now!
Moderate: Terminal illness
Minor: Miscarriage
Detailed descriptions of cheating in a relationship and the aftermath.itsjoenna's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Infertility, Infidelity, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Terminal illness
Minor: Child death and Abortion