The Friday Bookshop
by Sawako Natori
Translated by: Yui Kajita
Berkley
Literary Fictiom
DESCRIPTION
Welcome to The Friday Bookshop, a cozy little bookstore tucked inside a rustic train station north of Tokyo. Rumor has it, you’ll find the perfect book there—one that you need at that particular moment, even if you don’t know it yourself....
When college student Fumiya visits The Friday Bookshop as a last-ditch effort to find a book for his ill father, he is disappointed in its ordinary appearance despite whispers of its peculiar charm. But he soon discovers that it not only includes a café where the food menu changes daily on the chef’s whim but also a vast underground vault lined with bookshelves, lovingly converted from an old abandoned subway platform. The bookshop, run by a quirky trio who have been close friends since high school, quickly becomes Fumiya’s favorite place—so much so that he begins to work there part-time.
Fumiya, who was never really a reader, learns to embrace the joy of reading, and that books can be a means to connect with other people and navigate the twists and turns of life.
Through colorful interactions with the zany shop owners and their visitors, as well as mouthwatering dishes inspired by the books they recommend, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the seemingly ordinary yet enchanting little bookstore in the subway station in Kanto.
MY THOUGHTS
Fumiya, the son of a bookseller, might be expected to love reading. His life takes a turn when his father falls ill. In his desperate search for a specific book that his father wants, Fumiya discovers The Friday Bookshop, a place renowned for its uncanny ability to provide the perfect book for the right person. Managed by three friends, this bookshop really touches the lives of its patrons. The bookshop has hidden charms. Within its enchanting walls, Fumiya soon learns of an extraordinary underground vault filled with rows upon rows of bookshelves.
Although connecting with the characters wasn’t easy, this character-driven novel unfolded at a leisurely pace, emphasizing the significance of the relationships between its characters and the written word. Any book lover will appreciate the nods to renowned authors from around the globe. Interestingly, the book is divided into just four chapters, allowing readers to witness the interconnectedness of individual stories and characters.
The Friday Bookshop offers readers a captivating experience. One of its most compelling messages is the magic of books and the idea that the right story can find us at precisely the moment we need it. This resonates deeply with any avid reader. I am delighted that this book found its way into my hands as it weaves together themes of family, understanding, friendship, and personal growth, creating an engaging narrative.
Thanks to its English translation, readers can now immerse themselves in this delightful celebration of books and the connections they foster. Following the narrative, I appreciated the author’s memories that had an influence on the writing of this book.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
