It was such a charming and cozy narrative to me and I like how the theme centered around a lifestyle and day-to-day plot that delved intricately on self-healing and family relationships. From a grief and depression after a heartbreak and losing her job, Takako suddenly gets a call from her distant Uncle Satoru asking if she can help him out at his secondhand bookshop that was located in the famous book district of Jimbocho. With an offer of a rent-free place to stay and thinking it might be temporary until she can get back on her feet again; it was not a bad idea afterall. So all packed up for Takako and her days at Morisaki Bookshop begins.
A light and pleasant narrative that goes quite appealingly narrated. The unexpected journey of finding solace in an old classic bookshop and to find the love in both reading and books again— so stirring and I love how Takako’s perspective felt so close and somehow relatable; her bookish refs were helpful much (think I need to start reading Osamu Dazai soon!) and her musings too although at times her emotional rants can be too sentimental yet I enjoyed her healing quest through her interaction with Satoru and her new found friendship after working at the bookshop. Thanks to her too that I get to tour the other secondhand bookshops around the district!
Part 2 was quite melodramatic as it revolves mostly on Satoru’s relationship conflict and drama; quite uplifting for me to explore Aunt Momoko’s narrative and to see the lovable and heartwarming interactions in between Takako and her aunt. Fairly executed dynamic for Takako’s character, not really fancy with Wada but their scenes did add more charms at the end. Would recommend if you like a slice-of-life genre on family and self-healing plot as well for the startling bookish setting!
Thank you Pansing Distribution for the gifted review copy!