Supriya's Banter
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop
Author: Satoshi Yagisawa (Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, his debut novel, was originally published in 2009 and won the Chiyoda Literature Prize)
Publisher: Manilla Press (25 August 2023); Manilla Press
Language: English
Paperback: 160 pages
Importer: HarperCollins Publishers India Private Limited
Lately, I’ve developed a soft corner for Japanese translations. The mellow pace, the comforting storyline, and the foreign yet familiar themes have worked for quite a while.
So, when a friend asked me what books to get me as gifts and read out the bestseller list from the bookshop, I immediately asked for this title. Yes, I never dilly-dally when someone wants to gift me a book. The high of receiving books as gifts is unparalleled.
Now, coming to the book.
Some books feel like a warm cup of tea on a wintry day—Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, translated from Japanese by Eric Ozawa, is one of those books.
A subtle yet deeply moving story focusing on all things books and how they have the power to change lives.
The story follows Takako, a young woman struggling with relationship blues when her so-called boyfriend dumps her unceremoniously. Isolating herself from the world seems a natural way out. The feelings of being unloved, not valued, disrespected, of being cheated on and betrayed play out as universal emotions, and Takako’s anger, sadness, hurt, and regret soon have the reader in its grip. Yagisawa showcases Takako’s feelings in muted but effective colours.
The sky starts to clear out with Takoko’s move into her Uncle Satoru’s secondhand bookstore in Jimbocho, Tokyo’s famous book district.
Though reluctantly, Tokako picks up a book, and before she knows it, she is cocooned into a world which seems to be every book lover’s dream. I relished Tokako’s journey as books salve her wounds, albeit in a subtle, quiet way, one page at a time. The gems from Japanese classics seep their way into the reader’s heart, too, leaving you asking for more.
Many times, I wished to swap places with Takako and reside in her world brimming with books. The lure of this fictional world was real and quite tempting!
Yagisawa doesn’t overwhelm you with grand plot twists or heavy drama. Instead, he lets the joy of the bookshop and the relationships within it unfold naturally. Takako’s bond with her uncle and then her aunt is the highlight of the story—heartwarming and full of unspoken understanding.
The book is a stark reminder of why you love books in the first place.
If you’ve ever found solace in a book, this one will resonate with you.
This short, soothing read leaves you feeling lighter, perhaps not as healed as Takako, but definitely better.
It’s like one’s comfort food—cosy, warming, and soothing.
Simple yet incredibly satisfying!
