The Book Report Episode #33
Episode #32
More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop By Satoshi Yagisawa
The Book
This is the sequel book from the original Days at the Mirosaki Bookshop. Originally published in Japan in 2011 by Shogakukan Inc. Then in 2024 it was translated by Eric Ozawa and published by Manilla Press. An Imprint of Zaffre Publishing Group. Which is a Bonnier Books UK company.
The book has 170 pages with a Translator’s notes and adverts for other books.
What Did I Think
In the book. It’s been about three years since the last story of Takako, Uncle Satoru and his wife Momoko. And although some things have changed. Everything has pretty much stayed the same.
Satoru still runs the bookshop. Takako comes by when she is not working and helps out with the shop. She is at a point where she cannot think of life without her uncle’s bookshop. Being consumed by the books she reads and waiting on her uncle’s recommendations. She has moved on with her life and has got herself a new boyfriend. Satoru doesn’t care for the man. Even though he has tried to warm up to him Satoru will not budge.
Momoko also helps out occasionally. But she has also got a job in a restaurant, and in typical fashion nearly runs the place.
Returning to Jimbocho again and visiting the small town made of bookshops. I would love to visit and wander around until I find the Morisaki bookshop. The only problem I would have is the ability to read any of the books. Although after some research this may not be the case completely. I should point out that Jimbocho is a real place in Tokyo. But sadly, the shop is pure fiction.
I Want More!
Although I didn’t get emotional as I did with the previous book, I couldn’t help but fall for the simple life and drama which continued in their little world. It was easy to read, and the flow was relaxing. It is hard to let go. But the book ended in a way that would be acceptable for everyone. The main reason for the drama in the first book. Was what concluded in this book. I suppose it was the only reason it continued. It is a shame. But I would like Mr Yagisawa to write more.
There is loss and sadness, love and maybe betrayal, confusion and happiness. Dealing with mental health and helping yourself return to a place of somewhat normality. Not being afraid to ask for help and being okay to let go. There is a lot but the story gracefully glides over it. By not, going too far, just letting you know it’s there and it happens.
Would I Recommend
As much as I hate to say goodbye to this book and the whole Morisaki Bookshop. I will keep it close as something that has achieved something that not many books have accomplished: Emotions of any kind. Most books make me think about what is happening and possible outcomes. And others, once finished, I put it to one side and continue to the next. But this gave me an emotional response that I can never forget and probably never will. So, yes, I would like to recommend it. Not just this book but the previous one as well. For those who just need a story. Nothing special. A little drama, perhaps. For those who need something for themselves.
Be selfish, and please give this book a read.
Would you like to purchase your very own copy?
You could try these online stores: Amazon UK/USA. Waterstones. AbeBooks UK/ USA, Barnes and Noble and eBay UK/ USA.
Alternatively, you could try your local bookshop or even your local library.
