It is a dream of every booklover to be able to have access to all the books that too for free. The main character of the story gets to live this dream but she is not a reader. 

The book centers around Takako, a 25-year-old woman whose life is turned upside down when her boyfriend abruptly announces his marriage to another. This betrayal leads her to quit her job, leaving her in turmoil. She cannot get herself out of bed and nothing interests her anymore. Unexpectedly,  she receives an invitation from her estranged Uncle Satoru to stay at the family-owned Morisaki Bookshop in Jimbocho. Being unemployed and having no savings, she moves into the cluttered apartment above the bookstore. She soon finds herself enveloped by the world of books and in a close community where she makes profound connections. 

The major highlight of the book is Takako’s evolving relationship with people around her, especially with her uncle Satoru. Initially, she tries to maintain her distance with him, but as they run the bookstore together, they develop a deep bond. Their interaction and their relationship formation also reflect Takako’s transformation towards personal growth. 

As heartwarming an exploration of personal rediscovery it is, what I liked the most about the book was the unique charm of second-hand bookshops. I love second hand bookshops as they are not just bookstores but they also carry the imprint of the previous owner. It lets us experience the journey of two readers through the marginal notes, underlined passages, dried flowers as bookmarks, receipts as bookmarks; all forgotten. They create a subtle and silent bridge between past and present. Each book exceeds just the collection of stories and connects personal history. 

“Days at the Morisaki Bookshop” is a testament to the healing power of literature and the unique allure of second-hand books. Through Takako’s journey, readers are reminded of the comfort found within pages and the connections forged through shared stories. Yagisawa crafts a narrative that is both specific in its cultural setting and universal in its themes, making it a resonant read for anyone who has ever sought solace in a book.

Photo Credit: Instagram

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