Days at the Morisaki Bookshop is cosy fiction, something you might read over the weekend while sipping matcha latte in a bookish café. The writing and the plot are simple and will not require too much from you, which makes it a relaxing read and a tranquil escape from the daily monotony. Unfortunately,  I was not in the right mood to read it. 

The book follows Takako, a young woman, a self-proclaimed non-reader who reluctantly finds refuge with her eccentric uncle, Satoru. He runs the Morisaki Bookshop, nestled within Tokyo’s renowned Jimbocho district. Takako broke up with her long-term boyfriend (who told her he was getting married… to someone else) and is heartbroken. Surrounded by towering shelves of books (the heartbreak is worth it!), she struggles with the grief of her loss but also a sense of purposelessness. However, as the days turn into weeks, the magic of the bookstore begins to work its charm (which is a testament that becoming a bookworm is the best antidote for heartbreak). The act of browsing for books, the conversations with quirky patrons, and Satoru’s companionship slowly bring down Takako’s emotional walls. She starts reading, makes new friends, and finds a passion for life that she didn’t have before.  

The prose is gentle and introspective, mirroring Takako’s gradual transformation. While the narrative perfectly captures the allure of getting lost in a good book, the narrative style itself leans toward the simpler side. The charm lies in the everyday interactions and the quiet joy of rediscovering the written word. However, as I was seeking a more layered exploration of emotions and grief, and characters that are more assertive and multidimensional, the book felt a tad uneventful. A deeper exploration of the characters’ motivations and personalities could have added a richer layer to the story. 

Despite its limitations, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop succeeds in creating a heartwarming escape for those who are looking for a quick, cosy, weekend read. If you appreciate a calming atmosphere and have a love for books and cosy coffee shops, this book is the perfect choice. However, those seeking a more profound exploration of emotions or a deeply developed cast of characters might find it lacking in depth.