Reviews with content warning for Terminal illness - I miei giorni alla libreria Morisaki

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

hayley_mariep's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

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nialiversuch's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful 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

3.5

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bookwyrmknits's review against another edition

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emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I don't remember why I decided to read this one, but I know I placed a hold on it at my library before the book had been released. Probably I saw that it was a translated book about a bookshop, and that was enough to catch my interest. I've also noticed lately that I enjoy books translated from Japanese with more regularity than books translated from other languages. I'm not entirely sure why, but I enjoy stories translated from Japanese that I wouldn't read if they were originally written in English.

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!

Content Warnings

natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

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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

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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!

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