Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

My Rating - 3 out of 5 stars

Publisher - Harper Collins

Genre - Fiction
Publishing year - 2010
Language - English
ISBN - 978-1-78658-323-9
Pages - 147

Book Review - 

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is the debut novel by Satoshi Yagisawa, beautifully translated into English by Eric Ozawa. It was also my first time reading anything by Yagisawa, and my third venture into Japanese literature overall. 

Although I am still relatively new to this genre, there is something about the emotional depth and quiet beauty of Japanese storytelling that leaves a lasting impression—one that’s often hard to put into words.

This novel is the first installment in the Morisaki Bookshop series and follows the story of Takako, a young woman living in Tokyo. She is not a reader by nature, but after suffering a painful heartbreak, she finds herself staying at her uncle Satoru’s secondhand bookshop in the Jimbocho neighbourhood—a district renowned for its old bookstores. 

What begins as a temporary escape turns into a transformative journey, as Takako slowly discovers the healing power of books and the unexpected warmth of small, close-knit human connections.

The narrative is split into two parts. The first focuses on Takako’s personal journey of healing and self-discovery. The second introduces a new layer through her evolving relationship with Momoko, Satoru’s estranged wife, who adds emotional depth and plays a key role in the overall story.

Satoshi Yagisawa’s prose is gentle, heartfelt, and quietly profound. The simplicity of the narration makes it feel like a comforting embrace—much like a warm blanket on a cold winter night.

That said, while I appreciated the calm and reflective tone of the novel, it did not quite move me to the extent that I would call it a favourite. It falls into the “I liked it” category for me—pleasant and worthwhile, even if not life-changing. Still, I am glad I picked it up.

I would recommend Days at the Morisaki Bookshop to anyone experiencing a reading slump or to readers in search of a short, cosy, and fast-paced story. 

It is also a wonderful entry point for those who are curious about Japanese literature but aren’t sure where to begin. Its quiet charm and tender themes make it a comforting and accessible read.

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