A contemplative story set in a charming book district in Tokyo.
SPOILERS!
What is it about
When Takako learns her boyfriend is marrying somebody else, she is heartbroken. Soon, she quits her job and has no idea what to do next. Her uncle calls, offering her a place to stay at his bookshop. Embarrassed that her mum called her uncle to help her out, she reluctantly turns up at the bookshop with her belongings. In the early days, she spends most of her time sleeping. Soon, she starts helping out at the bookshop, which has been in her family for generations and sells second-hand books. As somebody who had never read before, she begins to read.
Slowly, as time goes by, she comes out of her shell and connects with people in the bookshop district, who possess the charm of a small town folks. When her estranged aunt returns, she takes a trip to the mountains with her, where she learns the truth about why her aunt left her uncle in the first place.
She eventually finds a job and moves out, but keeps in touch her uncle, with whom she has developed a close bond. In the end, Takako has come to terms with her own life and learns a lesson about human connections. Her uncle and aunt treat her like a daughter, and she learns that these are the people she can count on for support.
What I liked about it
I love how the relationship developed between Takako and her uncle Satoru. He really became a father figure of sorts, standing up for her (when confronting her ex) and giving her life advice. Takako learns that even when humans are as complex as her aunt, there is always inclination to understand and forgive them. In doing so, they heal themselves.
It is a cosy read about healing, family connection, set in an area with wholesome characters and a charming bookshop. In simplest terms, this book is like a friend who gives a good hug.