More Days At the Morisaki Bookshop| Satoshi Yagisawa| Book Review

On Sakura street which is lined with bookshops selling old books, stands a bookshop named the Morisaki bookshop. As Takako walks down the street she hears her name being called loudly just as she sets her eyes on the shop. It is none other than her uncle, Satoru. She is embarrassed and tells him to not shout her name like that. She then makes her way into the old-fashioned shop filled with all Japanese titles. ‘More days at the Morisaki bookshop’ is a sequel to the novel, ‘Days at the Morisaki bookshop.’ It follows the same characters and tells us the story ahead.

‘I’d say that it’s about how we shouldn’t just pay attention in our everyday lives to where the light is. We should look at the shadows as well.’

Storyline

In a flashback to the previous book, we get to know how Takako had once stayed here. In a small room on the top floor, she had spent most of her younger days. Her bond with her uncle was deep. Even now, she loved coming to the bookshop on her days off. Just comfortably reading a book or talking to her uncle. Sometimes she had to just stop reading her book and listen to her uncle because that was how he was, once he had to tell you something, he wouldn’t stop.

She spends her time observing the people who walk into the store. A man with a bag full of books walks into the store and grabs another title. He has an old-looking sweater. It makes Takako wonder why he must be holding onto it. On another occasion, she encounters a ‘seal collector’ who turns the pages of the book and smiles to himself admiring the last page where the author has his seal stamped on. Then Sabu, who is a regular customer walks in and entertains her with his constant teasing.

Takako is surrounded by supportive friends. She has Tomo to depend on, Takano for some good company. She also has Wada, her boyfriend who she really likes. However, it seems that her uncle isn’t too fond of him.

As the story progresses, the mundane turns into serious and Takako and her uncle have to make important decisions and bear some circumstances together. Will the bookshop survive the circumstances or will the shutters of the shop be closed forever?

‘People forget all kinds of things. They live by forgetting. Yet our thoughts endure, the way waves leave traces in the sand.’

My thoughts about ‘ More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop’

Honestly, I thought it wasn’t possible to fit so much into just about 160 pages and yet at no point does the story feel rushed. It seems soothing. Some plots touch your heart. There are stories of different people that give you different lessons. It is so heartwarming to see the characters supporting each other.

The vibe of the book is like a real bookstore, calming and peaceful. It seems like that sort of a book which you can enjoy with a cup of coffee. It is such a quick read that you will finish it in just two days even if you are pressed for time. Mundane details are described by the author in the most delicate way that gives it a new meaning. Just like how at the end of the book the customer with the old sweater wears a brand new one. It signifies a new beginning in the context of the story. Such a portrayal is deeply touching.

Negative points

Absolutely nothing. No really! Except for maybe that it ended too soon and I wanted more.

‘Choose to be with people who really choose you, people who see you as irreplaceable. That’s the story you want.’

‘Sharing your thoughts with someone seems so simple, but at times it can be surprisingly difficult. Even more so when it’s someone you care so much for.’

Author: Satoshi Yagisawa

writing: 4/5

Presentation: 4/5

Plot: 4.5/5

Overall: 4/5

Genre: General Fiction