Reviews with content warning for Terminal illness - Mis días en la librería Morisaki

Reviews tagging 'Terminal illness'

Mis días en la librería Morisaki by Satoshi Yagisawa

63 reviews

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.

Also, a massive thank you to Abigail Walton and Bonnier Books for the finished copy.

Content Warnings

skylarkblue1's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

5.0

Representations: https://trello.com/c/ho4Xkje7/78-days-at-the-morisaki-bookshop-by-satoshi-yagisawa

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!

Content Warnings

itsjoenna's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

Content Warnings

bookishcori's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

The pacing was a bit off, and the story jumped a bunch (which normally I’m okay with in short books). Parts I enjoyed but part didn’t quite work.

Content Warnings

cometlovescupid's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Content Warnings

outer_books's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

Content Warnings